Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.
SOC: 53-2011.00
Common Job Titles
Airline Captain
Captain
First Officer (FO)
Pilot
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate fixed-wing aircraft control systems including autopilot, navigation, and hydraulic systems on scheduled air carrier routes under Federal Air Transport regulations.
Advanced
KnowledgeEvaluate flight conditions, instrument readings, and environmental factors in real-time to ensure compliance with safety standards and air traffic control directives.
Advanced
KnowledgeAssess aircraft performance data and weather conditions using electronic flight instruments and navigation systems to make critical flight decisions.
Advanced
KnowledgeEvaluate aircraft systems status and mechanical performance indicators through continuous monitoring of cockpit instruments and diagnostic systems.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize aeronautical knowledge of physics, mechanics, and transportation systems to troubleshoot complex in-flight technical anomalies and develop contingency responses.
Advanced
Hands-onCoordinate multi-system aircraft operations including fuel management, pressurization, and emergency systems during all phases of flight from takeoff to landing.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate crew resource management principles with operational procedures when coordinating with copilots, flight engineers, and air traffic control under time-sensitive conditions.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze flight route options and fuel requirements incorporating weather patterns, geography, and regulatory constraints to optimize flight planning.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute precisely instrument landing procedures using ILS, GPS, and ground proximity systems in low-visibility conditions while maintaining passenger safety.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for passenger safety and regulatory compliance when communicating with crew members, ground personnel, and airline operations under emergency conditions.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
99,300
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $98,560. 25th percentile: U.S. $154,360. 50th percentile: U.S. $226,600. 75th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 90th percentile: U.S. $239,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$98,560
10% of workers earn the following or more
$239,200+
Workers on average earn
$280,570
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Transportation4.8/5
English Language3.9/5
Public Safety and Security3.7/5
Mechanical3.7/5
Geography3.7/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
