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Pilot vs runner

The differences between pilots and runners can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pilot has an average salary of $83,128, which is higher than the $33,320 average annual salary of a runner.

The top three skills for a pilot include PIC, pilot-in-command and flight operations. The most important skills for a runner are food service, basic math, and math.

Pilot vs runner overview

PilotRunner
Yearly salary$83,128$33,320
Hourly rate$39.97$16.02
Growth rate6%17%
Number of jobs3,04915,501
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age4445
Years of experience4-

What does a pilot do?

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.

What does a runner do?

A runner is considered as a general assistant who works under the direction of a producer and other production staff to do basic works such as answering the phone or making arrangements for staff on locations in the broadcasting and film industry. The role of a runner is to ensure that the production process is running smoothly. A runner should possess a lot of skills, such as excellent time management and teamwork. A bachelor or postgraduate degree is not required for being a runner.

Pilot vs runner salary

Pilots and runners have different pay scales, as shown below.

PilotRunner
Average salary$83,128$33,320
Salary rangeBetween $58,000 And $118,000Between $26,000 And $41,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAUrban Honolulu, HI
Highest paying stateCaliforniaHawaii
Best paying companyHPVirginia Eye Institute
Best paying industryTransportationTransportation

Differences between pilot and runner education

There are a few differences between a pilot and a runner in terms of educational background:

PilotRunner
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common majorAviationBusiness
Most common collegeSUNY Farmingdale-

Pilot vs runner demographics

Here are the differences between pilots' and runners' demographics:

PilotRunner
Average age4445
Gender ratioMale, 70.7% Female, 29.3%Male, 63.7% Female, 36.3%
Race ratioBlack 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, 9.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 13.3% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%
LGBT Percentage9%7%

Differences between pilot and runner duties and responsibilities

Pilot example responsibilities.

  • Pilot company Lear 35 and manage the department.
  • Manage the UAV payload on the ground and in the air to meet customer expectations.
  • Serve as a professional pilot managing a flight crew and ensuring safe transportation of VIP's internationally.
  • Supervise aircraft maintenance activity on P-3C patrol and UH-1N helicopter aircraft.
  • Transport people and parts to offshore facilities in VFR and IFR conditions
  • Serve as remote pic and visual observer on a team on various projects involving UAV applications.
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Runner example responsibilities.

  • Manage tickets for kitchen, run food and intereact with customers, and bus tables
  • Manage expediter window paying close attention to garnishes and presentation.
  • Operate within compliance of USDA and QA program standards
  • Clean tables & floor area also set silver ware, plates, & wine glasses in correct fine dining table positions.
  • Line runner, PVC pipe bundler
  • Assist the HVAC technician with installations.
  • Show more

Pilot vs runner skills

Common pilot skills
  • PIC, 16%
  • Pilot-In-Command, 13%
  • Flight Operations, 8%
  • ATP, 7%
  • Helicopter, 5%
  • Federal Aviation, 5%
Common runner skills
  • Food Service, 18%
  • Basic Math, 10%
  • Math, 9%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
  • Cash Handling, 6%

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