Airline Pilot vs Maritime Officer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Airline Pilot
Operate commercial aircraft safely for passenger and cargo carriers.
Maritime Officer
Navigate and operate commercial vessels including cargo ships and tankers.
Airline Pilot earns more on average — the national median is $107,000/year (113%) higher than a Maritime Officer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Airline Pilot vs Maritime Officer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Airline Pilot | Maritime Officer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $291,568 | $142,021 | Airline +$149,547 |
| New York, NY | $240,959 | $117,053 | Airline +$123,906 |
| Seattle, WA | $282,127 | $131,783 | Airline +$150,344 |
| Austin, TX | $222,989 | $106,336 | Airline +$116,653 |
| Chicago, IL | $210,846 | $99,810 | Airline +$111,036 |
| Boston, MA | $257,993 | $121,647 | Airline +$136,346 |
| London, UK | £160,191 | £73,438 | Airline +$86,753 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$274,168 | CA$122,706 | Airline +$151,462 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Airline Pilot or Maritime Officer earn more?+
A Airline Pilot earns more on average. The national median salary for a Airline Pilot is $202,000/year, compared to $95,000/year for a Maritime Officer — a difference of $107,000 (113%).
Which has better career growth — Airline Pilot or Maritime Officer?+
Airline Pilot roles are growing at 14% YoY while Maritime Officer demand is growing at 3% YoY. Airline Pilot has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Airline Pilot to Maritime Officer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Airline Pilot or Maritime Officer?+
Maritime Officer has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 20%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.