Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
BLS projects employment of airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers to change by +8.3% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations, with about 11,200 openings a year. The median annual wage in 2025 was $232,140 (all occupations: $50,980).
Updated
| Median annual wage, 2025 | $232,140 |
|---|---|
| Employment, 2025 | 104,600 |
| Projected employment, 2035 | 113,300 |
| Change, 2025–35 | +8.3% (+8,700) |
| Openings per year, 2025–35 average | 11,200 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
| Work experience in a related occupation | Less than 5 years |
| Typical on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
Read the official BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile ↗
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, Table 1.2 Occupational projections, 2025–35, and worker characteristics, 2025 ↗. Employment is for 2025, projections to 2035; median annual wage is for 2025; openings are the projected annual average for 2025–35. Figures are national, not local. Data last downloaded Oct 16, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much do airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $232,140 for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers in 2025.
What is the job outlook for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers?
BLS projects employment to change by +8.3% from 2025 to 2035, with about 11,200 openings per year on average.
What education do airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers need?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as: Bachelor's degree. Typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training.