Acupuncturists vs. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers: Who Earns More?
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers out-earn Acupuncturists by $156K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Acupuncturists land at $76,040 and Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers at $232,140. The education gap is real: acupuncturist programs typically require master's degree, while airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineer programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Acupuncturists is Tennessee ($141,430); for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers it's Georgia ($618,090).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Acupuncturists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Acupuncturists or Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earn more nationally. The median is $76,040 for Acupuncturists versus $232,140 for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers, a difference of $156K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Acupuncturists or Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
Acupuncturists has the better 10-year outlook at 6.8% projected growth, compared to 3.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Acupuncturists or Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
Acupuncturists typically requires master's degree. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Acupuncturists get paid the most?
Tennessee is the top-paying state for Acupuncturists at $141,430/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Acupuncturists vs. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Indiana, Acupuncturists earn $120,490 vs. $171,260 for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.