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Is the pilot shortage getting worse?

We now anticipate a peak shortfall in 2026 of about 24,000 pilots instead of a peak of close to 30,000 once predicted in the wake of COVID-19 early retirements. That still represents about 23% of the pilot workforce, so the problem is far from eliminated.



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The root cause of the coming shortage varies by region: In the United States, it's an aging workforce facing mandatory retirement, fewer pilots exiting the military, and barriers to entry, including the cost of training.

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But as air travel demand continues to recover in 2022, our most recent forecast now projects that demand for pilots will outstrip supply in most regions globally between 2022 and 2024 — and continue to worsen over the next decade.

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Post-Pandemic Pilot Shortage Early retirements during the coronavirus pandemic have accelerated demand for new pilots to enter the industry and begin training.

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But the need for pilots in general is growing. The Academy of Aviation estimates over 800,000 pilots will be needed over the next 20 years.

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Yes, being a pilot is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% job growth for airline and commercial pilots over the next ten years.

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Job security and remuneration
In terms of job security, becoming a pilot is a very safe bet. With the world's ever-growing population, the demand for air travel will only increase. As a result, pilots will always have a job to go back to. According to the Boeing market outlook, by 2041, Europe will need 449,000 pilots.

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In March, Delta approved a contract that increases wages 34 percent by 2026 and includes improvements to scheduling, retirement and other benefits. Delta's deal raised the standard for pilot compensation and benefits.

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Most likely not, as the pilot was always meant to be actively involved in flying operations.

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How much does a Boeing 747 Pilot make in New York? The salary range for a Boeing 747 Pilot job is from $78,698 to $105,268 per year in New York. Click on the filter to check out Boeing 747 Pilot job salaries by hourly, weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly, and yearly.

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Traditionally a pilot at a regional airline might start out earning less than $50,000 per year, but get hired on by a major airline and that goes up quickly into the six figures, and well over $300,000 for senior captains flying widebody aircraft overseas. Some earn over $400,000.

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The biggest advantage of becoming a pilot and working in the Aviation profession is that you have a very low chance of facing an accident. Some statistics show that student pilots are less likely to have accidents.

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Being a pilot can be stressful at times. It requires immense concentration, quick decision-making, and a lot of patience. A pilot is responsible for the well-being of all crew members and passengers on board, and they sometimes have to fly under unpredictable conditions.

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The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, which reauthorizes funding for the Federal Aviation Administration and aviation safety and infrastructure programs for the next five years, includes an amendment that would raise the mandatory retirement age for pilots from 65 to 67.

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The average Delta Airlines pilot earns $192,000 with top-earners making $526,000. American Airlines pilots earn an average salary of $118,000, with some pilots earning in excess of $700,000. Most importantly, pilot salaries continue to increase.

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