Skip to main content

Occupational Employment Statistics


DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA

53-2011 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers



Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing, multi-engine 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.

Geography Click link for Career Profile EmploymentEmp SE*Percentiles
Mean10th25thMedian75th90th
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN  317$184,747.46/yr$105,226.58/yr$121,289.14/yr$151,720.16/yr>$100/hr 


IndustryOES Employment (Statewide)OES Median Wage (Statewide)
Trade, Transportation and UtilitiesN/AN/A
Public Administration50N/A
 
Geography Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change -10-
Southwest Minnesota N/AN/AN/A
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN N/A$151,720.16/yrN/A
Minnesota N/A$137,857.42/yr7.6%
Duluth MN-WI MSA N/AN/AN/A
Fargo ND-MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
La Crosse WI-MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI MSA N/A$151,718.08/yrN/A
Rochester MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
St Cloud MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
Northwest Balance of State N/AN/AN/A
Northeast Balance of State N/AN/AN/A
Southwest Balance of State N/AN/AN/A
Southeast Balance of State N/AN/AN/A
Northeast Minnesota N/AN/AN/A
Northwest Minnesota N/A$93,032.94/yrN/A
Southeast Minnesota N/AN/AN/A
Central Minnesota 20$101,264.01/yrN/A


Occupations Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2020-2030
Commercial Pilots 1,090$126,535.79/yr7.5%
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels 150$43.76/hrN/A
Locomotive Engineers 740$37.80/hr-1.9%


  • Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
  • Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
  • Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
  • Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
  • Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
  • Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
  • Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
  • Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
  • Make announcements regarding flights, using public address systems.
  • Record in log books information, such as flight times, distances flown, and fuel consumption.