Salary distribution
Where Houston airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $189,390 and $456,570, with a median of $307,690.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Operation and Control
Technical
- 4.9 / 5
Response Orientation
Ability
- 4.8 / 5
Transportation
Knowledge
- 4.8 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.6 / 5
Operations Monitoring
Technical
- 4.6 / 5
Control Precision
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Reaction Time
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
- 02
Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- 03
Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
- 04
Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
- 05
Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
- 06
Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
- 07
Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
- 08
Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesOther metros in Texas
How the Houston metro compares to other major Texas metro areas for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Houston, Texas?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in the Houston metropolitan area is $307,690.
- Does Houston pay more than the Texas state average for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
- The Houston metro median is +43.0% versus the Texas state median of $215,150.
- How does Houston compare to the national median for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
- The Houston metro median is +7.4% versus the BLS national figure of $286,482.
- What is the salary range for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Houston?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $104,110 and the 90th-percentile at $456,570 for the Houston metro area.
- What education is required for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Houston CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.