THE SURVEY RESULTS Salary ranges in overall industry
INSIGHT: In 2018, the largest percentage of pilots in the industry grossed between $91,000 and $110,000 per year. INSIGHT: Median salaries have risen in the industry. The median salary for all pilots responding to the survey was $100,000 per year, which represents a $25,000 increase since 2014.
Key Drivers
For the fourth year in a row, we have seen an upward shift in median salaries for certain groups of helicopter pilots. This is the result of a continuation of a tightening labor market. Competition for supply is coming from both the military, which is now letting fewer pilots out, as well as the airlines successfully attracting experienced helicopter pilots from both civil and military ranks.
INSIGHT: Similar to 2017, fending off the pull of the airlines has been a challenge for the helicopter industry in 2018, as employers have lost many more seasoned pilots seeking better pay, benefits, and schedules. In a separate independent Rotorcraft Pro survey, we posed the question, “In your opinion, what will it take to keep helicopter pilots from jumping ship to the airlines?” Of the 481 respondents, 68% chose “better pay & benefits” as the response. Apparently, the industry has not adjusted, because in the job satisfaction portion of this salary survey, 12% of respondents indicated that they are “seriously considering moving to airlines.”
Additionally, for several years now, there has been a deficit of new pilots entering the U.S. market as compared to those who are becoming inactive or retiring. If you want more proof the shortage is here, look no farther than the joint report titled Rotorcraft Pilot and Mechanic Supply Forecast produced by the University of North Dakota and the Helicopter Association International, which was published in 2018. In the executive summary it states:
60 Mar/Apr 2019
“Regarding helicopter pilots, this forecast indicates there will be a likely cumulative shortage of 7,649 pilots between 2018 and 2036 in the United States alone. While difficult to quantify, this effect will likely extend worldwide. In collected survey data of more than 200 helicopter companies and operators, over 50% of respondents are already reporting it has become harder to find qualified helicopter pilots in the most recent year. Over 63% believe it will become increasingly difficult to find qualified helicopter pilots over the next five years; and, over 53% believe their inability to find qualified pilots will likely result in curtailing any growth plans their company may have had.”
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