Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians vs. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers: Who Earns More?
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss out-earn Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicianss by $148K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2024. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicianss land at $78,680 and Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss at $226,600. 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 Technicianss is New Jersey ($97,730); for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss it's Kentucky ($413,070).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicianss or Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss?
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss earn more nationally. The median is $78,680 for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicianss versus $226,600 for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss, a difference of $148K. Per BLS OEWS May 2024.
Which has better job growth, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians or Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
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 Technicianss get paid the most?
New Jersey is the top-paying state for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicianss at $97,730/year, per BLS OEWS May 2024. 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 Technicianss earn $93,200 vs. $290,170 for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.