Airline Pilot or Flight Engineer

Explore This Path

Fly the skies and connect the world, transporting passengers and cargo globally.
Ensure safe and efficient flights, contributing to global travel and commerce.
Experience the thrill of takeoffs and landings as part of a skilled flight team.

💰 Earn $165K-$0

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 24–48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 5% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.

Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Bachelor Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

2 to 4 years

Job Openings

11,600 Annually

Median Earnings

$219,140 Nationally

$25K

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$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Airline Pilot or Flight Engineer? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@Pilot.Drew

@pilot.drew

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Equipment Maintenance
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Speaking

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Job security

Deep Dive

Airline Pilot or Flight Engineer

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years