Executive Chef vs Commercial Airline Pilot: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Executive Chef
Lead culinary team, develop menus, and manage kitchen operations.
Commercial Airline Pilot
Fly commercial aircraft and ensure safe transport of passengers.
Commercial Airline Pilot earns more on average — the national median is $83,000/year (128%) higher than a Executive Chef. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Executive Chef vs Commercial Airline Pilot — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Executive Chef | Commercial Airline Pilot | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $91,992 | $209,313 | Executive $117,321 |
| New York, NY | $78,263 | $179,672 | Executive $101,409 |
| Seattle, WA | $90,598 | $216,273 | Executive $125,675 |
| Austin, TX | $71,974 | $168,958 | Executive $96,984 |
| Chicago, IL | $69,749 | $160,146 | Executive $90,397 |
| Boston, MA | $86,495 | $196,970 | Executive $110,475 |
| London, UK | £51,472 | £111,935 | Executive $60,463 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$83,843 | CA$198,378 | Executive $114,535 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Executive Chef or Commercial Airline Pilot earn more?+
A Commercial Airline Pilot earns more on average. The national median salary for a Executive Chef is $65,000/year, compared to $148,000/year for a Commercial Airline Pilot — a difference of $83,000 (128%).
Which has better career growth — Executive Chef or Commercial Airline Pilot?+
Executive Chef roles are growing at 5% YoY while Commercial Airline Pilot demand is growing at 6% YoY. Commercial Airline Pilot has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Executive Chef to Commercial Airline Pilot?+
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 — Executive Chef or Commercial Airline Pilot?+
Executive Chef has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 18%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.