The aviation industry is known for offering rewarding careers, but many aspiring pilots wonder: who pays more? The airlines or cargo? The answer depends on several factors, such as which airline you join and your seniority within that company to name a few. Both career paths offer unique opportunities, and understanding the differences in salary can help guide your choice.
Factors Influencing Pilot Salaries
Several factors may affect how much a pilot earns. Working for major airlines or international carriers often results in higher pay compared to smaller companies. Also, in this industry seniority is everything. Every year on your anniversary date, you do get a contractual raise up to 10 years depending on your union contact.
Airline Pilots
Airline Pilots pay can be lucrative, especially for senior pilots flying large aircraft like Boeing 777s or Airbus A380s on long-haul international flights. When you start out, you may start small, such as a Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, flying shorter hauls. But as you gain more seniority, you have the opportunity to upgrade to long hauls such as the Boeing 777/787, which leads to flying more hours and higher pay. Airliner pilots are compensated for flight hours and receive benefits such as flight benefits, jumpseat agreements on other carriers, retirement plans, and vacation days.
For those looking to become a commercial airline pilot, Wayman College of Aeronautics offers programs that can prepare you for a successful career in the aviation industry.
Cargo Pilots
Cargo pilots, on the other hand, transport goods instead of passengers. Companies like FedEx, UPS, and DHL rely on cargo pilots to ensure timely delivery of packages across the globe. While the responsibilities of a cargo pilot differ slightly, the pay can be comparable to or even exceed that of a passenger pilot, depending on the company and aircraft size. The reason cargo pilots make more than passenger carrying pilots is because cargo companies don’t have to worry about inflight service items, such as drinks and food.
Wayman College can also equip you with the skills needed for a rewarding career in cargo aviation, helping you understand the unique demands of flying for logistics companies.
Which One Pays More?
In general, senior cargo pilots flying for large companies often earn similar or even higher salaries than commercial airline pilots. However, the pay range is highly variable, and both careers offer competitive earnings potential. Ultimately, your personal preferences and career goals will help determine which path is right for you.
If you’re looking to pursue a career in aviation, whether as an airline or cargo pilot, Wayman College of Aeronautics offers top-notch training programs designed to help you succeed in the dynamic aviation industry.