Commercial Airline Pilot vs Executive Chef: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Commercial Airline Pilot
Fly commercial aircraft and ensure safe transport of passengers.
Executive Chef
Lead kitchen operations, menu development, and culinary teams in restaurants.
Commercial Airline Pilot earns more on average — the national median is $68,000/year (85%) higher than a Executive Chef. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Commercial Airline Pilot vs Executive Chef — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Commercial Airline Pilot | Executive Chef | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $209,313 | $116,651 | Commercial +$92,662 |
| New York, NY | $179,672 | $95,516 | Commercial +$84,156 |
| Seattle, WA | $216,273 | $115,575 | Commercial +$100,698 |
| Austin, TX | $168,958 | $88,365 | Commercial +$80,593 |
| Chicago, IL | $160,146 | $85,342 | Commercial +$74,804 |
| Boston, MA | $196,970 | $106,315 | Commercial +$90,655 |
| London, UK | £111,935 | £61,856 | Commercial +$50,079 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$198,378 | CA$103,893 | Commercial +$94,485 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Commercial Airline Pilot or Executive Chef earn more?+
A Commercial Airline Pilot earns more on average. The national median salary for a Commercial Airline Pilot is $148,000/year, compared to $80,000/year for a Executive Chef — a difference of $68,000 (85%).
Which has better career growth — Commercial Airline Pilot or Executive Chef?+
Commercial Airline Pilot roles are growing at 6% YoY while Executive Chef demand is growing at 5% YoY. Commercial Airline Pilot has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Commercial Airline Pilot to Executive Chef?+
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 — Commercial Airline Pilot or Executive Chef?+
Executive Chef has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 18%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.