Career Definition for a Flight Engineer
Flight engineers monitor the many instruments used on airplanes during flight and provide routine maintenance when en-route. Their watchful eye and technical expertise allows pilots to concentrate on flying. Many airline companies consider flight engineer jobs as the first step to becoming a pilot.
| Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Job Skills | Analytical skills, leadership, observation skills, physical ability |
| Median Salary (2021) | $202,180 (all airline pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers) |
| Job Growth (2021-2031) | 6% (all airline pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
Commercial airlines require flight engineers to have at least a bachelor's degree. While they can technically study any subject as undergraduates, many aspiring flight engineers and pilots major in aviation or aeronautical studies.
Licensure
Flight engineers must obtain a commercial pilot's license, have at least 1,500 hours of flying experience and pass a series of physical and psychological tests. Flight engineers have to continue training throughout their career to maintain their license.
Skills Required
Flight engineers must have a strong background in flying aircraft. Additionally, they need to be adept at reading instruments, dials and other tools used in planes. Leadership and the ability to make decisions quickly are desirable traits, and flight engineers must be in top physical form.
Career and Economic Outlook
According to industry experts, most new aircraft only require a pilot and co-pilot, but not a flight engineer; however, the military still has a need for flight engineers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected jobs for pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers would increase by 6% from the 2021 to 2031 decade. The BLS reported that the median annual salary for pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers was $202,180 in May 2021.
Alternative Career Options
Individuals interested in becoming a flight engineer may consider related jobs, including air traffic controller and commercial pilot.
Air Traffic Controller
Those interested in working with aircraft, but who prefer to stay on the ground, may be interested in a career as an air traffic controller. Air traffic controllers monitor and direct aircraft traffic in the air. Most air traffic controllers complete a 2- or 4-year degree, pass the Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test and complete a specialized Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) training program. As of May 2021, the median annual salary for air traffic controllers was $129,750, according to the BLS. The BLS projects that employment for air traffic controllers is expected to increase by only 1% from 2021 to 2031.
Commercial Pilot
Like flight engineers, commercial pilots receive flight training and are licensed by the FAA. They fly all types of aircraft, including passenger and cargo planes, and planes equipped to dust crops or put out fires, but not on a regular schedule or route like an airline pilot. While the median salary is lower for commercial pilots than for flight engineers, there are likely to be more jobs for commercial pilots in the coming years. According to the BLS, jobs for commercial pilots are expected to increase by 5% from 2021 to 2031, which is slower-than-average growth. These pilots earned a median annual salary of $99,640 as of May 2021.
