Shigoto Zukan
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How to become airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Aviation Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$232,140
25th–75th pct. $182,280–$384,440
Top pay (est.)
$603,000
Top 10% $463,830
Pay in 5 years
$270,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$315,800est.
$271,600–$366,600
Outlook score
74/100
★★★★☆ Good
AI replacement risk
53%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+8.3%
11K openings / yr

How to become airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers

Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Key skills

Operation and Control
5.6
Operations Monitoring
4.9
Judgment and Decision Making
4.2
Monitoring
4.2
Active Listening
4.2
Critical Thinking
4.1
Active Learning
4.1
Reading Comprehension
4.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Transportation
6.0
Geography
4.6
English Language
4.1
Mechanical
4.0
Public Safety and Security
3.8
Computers and Electronics
3.8
Psychology
3.8
Administration and Management
3.5

What the work involves

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsControlling Machines and ProcessesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting Information

Important abilities

Response OrientationFar VisionRate ControlReaction TimeProblem SensitivityOral Comprehension

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
61%
High school diploma
18%
Less than high school
8%
Associate's degree
6%
Post-secondary certificate
5%
Some college
1%

Training before entry

1–3 months
50%
3–6 months
36%
6–12 months
5%
4–10 years
5%
1–2 years
3%
2–4 years
2%

Related work experience

2–4 years
33%
1–2 years
17%
4–6 years
16%
8–10 years
14%
6–8 years
11%
Over 10 years
8%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.