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The differences between pilots and line pilots can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a pilot and a line pilot. Additionally, a line pilot has an average salary of $96,403, which is higher than the $83,128 average annual salary of a pilot.
The top three skills for a pilot include PIC, pilot-in-command and flight operations. The most important skills for a line pilot are EMS, helicopter, and federal aviation.
| Pilot | Line Pilot | |
| Yearly salary | $83,128 | $96,403 |
| Hourly rate | $39.97 | $46.35 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 3,049 | 47,582 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A pilot is an individual who works in the aviation industry to operate aircraft and transport passengers and cargos from one location to another. Pilots can fly and navigate different types of aircrafts such as helicopters, large commercial aircraft, or cargo planes. They must perform pre-flight inspections and check flight logs to secure safety for all crews and passengers who are on board. Pilots can also decide to work as flight instructors or establish an aviation school when they have gained enough experience in the aviation industry.
A line pilot or pilot monitor is responsible for the safe operation and procedures of a company's aircraft. They see to it that an airline is implementing regulations under state and local rules. A pilot monitor communicates accurately and effectively with the passengers, staff, aircraft officials, crew members, and other authorities. They inspect and monitor if the cargo and packages are kept properly. This career is for a person who has management and organizational skills.
Pilots and line pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pilot | Line Pilot | |
| Average salary | $83,128 | $96,403 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $118,000 | Between $67,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | HP | - |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | - |
There are a few differences between a pilot and a line pilot in terms of educational background:
| Pilot | Line Pilot | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | SUNY Farmingdale | SUNY Farmingdale |
Here are the differences between pilots' and line pilots' demographics:
| Pilot | Line Pilot | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.7% Female, 29.3% | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |