Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers vs. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers: Who Earns More?
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss out-earn Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblerss by $165K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2024. Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblerss land at $61,680 and Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss at $226,600. The education gap is real: aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assembler 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 Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblerss is Washington ($93,550); 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 Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblerss or Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss?
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss earn more nationally. The median is $61,680 for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblerss versus $226,600 for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss, a difference of $165K. Per BLS OEWS May 2024.
Which has better job growth, Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers 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 Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers or Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers 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 Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblerss get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblerss at $93,550/year, per BLS OEWS May 2024. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers vs. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblerss earn $93,550 vs. $382,350 for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.