Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians vs. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers: Who Earns More?
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers out-earn Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians by $152K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians land at $79,870 and Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers at $232,140. The education gap is real: aircraft mechanics and service technician programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineer programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians is New Jersey ($105,370); for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers it's Georgia ($618,090).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians or Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earn more nationally. The median is $79,870 for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians versus $232,140 for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers, a difference of $152K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians or Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians has the better 10-year outlook at 4% projected growth, compared to 3.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians or Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians get paid the most?
New Jersey is the top-paying state for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians at $105,370/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians vs. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New York, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians earn $102,800 vs. $255,240 for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.