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Salary and Benefits

First Officer
$47K-$58K / yr. (est.)
$48K
$53,325 / year
$59K
Average base salary
The salary information provided is based on data collected from various reliable sources and may vary depending on individual qualifications and other factors.

About First Officer

What does a First Officer do?

We, the first officers, act as the second pilot to the main captain. We assist the pilot in aircraft operations and flight preparation. We conduct the tasks delegated by the main pilot. We notify the pilot about changes in the flight operations. We support the captain during landings and take-offs. Our duties also include the maintenance of charts and navigation manuals. We prepare the weight and balance documents for the flights. We assist the captains during flight operations. We often supervise the baggage loading, fueling, and power unit. We often collaborate with the ground crew and cabin crew. Some of us also communicate with air traffic controllers during flight operations. We also update the logbook of the aircraft.

Core tasks:

  • controlling the operations during emergencies
  • conducting the pre-flight inspections
  • resume pilot’s responsibilities if needed

Insights

How Many Years of Experience Do Professionals Need Before Becoming First Officer?
On average, people work 5-7 years in other positions prior to becoming a First Officer.
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First OfficerSan Francisco, CA - A year ago
I think it's important to gain experience in other positions before taking on such a responsible job.
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First OfficerNew York City, NY - A year ago
😡 That's way too long! It's just wasting time!
How Long Do First Officer Employees Typically Stay in Their Roles?
On average, First Officers works in this position for 3-5 years across multiple employers.
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Flight AttendantMiami, FL - A year ago
👀 First Officers have such a short stint compared to us Flight Attendants. We've been dealing with passengers for years!
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Aerospace EngineerHouston, TX - A year ago
Wow, there must be something wrong with the industry if First Officers can't hold onto a job for more than 5 years!
What Is the Job Hopper Score for First Officer Employees?
Frequent job changes in First Officer, indicating a willingness to change companies and roles more frequently.
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Aerospace EngineerSan Francisco, CA - A year ago
Hmm, perhaps these First Officers value acquiring diverse experiences to enhance their skills and adaptability. That could be beneficial in the ever-evolving aviation industry.
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Aviation MechanicNew York City, NY - A year ago
🔧 Having worked on their aircrafts, I understand that some First Officers change jobs to gain more knowledge about various aircraft types and maintenance practices. It's not all about the paycheck!

Career path

Path to job

Discover a First Officer's areas of knowledge sorted by their majors.
Explore the list of higher education institutions that a First Officer typically studied at.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Purdue University-Main Campus

Path after job

Community

Demographics

What Is the Age and Gender Ratio of First Officer Employees?
Gender ratio in First Officer position: 0.908218647024617 Male and 0.0917813529753828 Female. Age ratio in First Officer position: 16-20: 6%, 21-30: 55%, 31-40: 25%, 41-50: 12%, 51-60: 2%, 60+: 0%. First Officer position is predominantly male (90.8%) with the largest age group being 21-30 years old, followed by 31-40 years old.
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First OfficerAustin, TX - A year ago
I can't believe the age group with the most First Officers is 21-30. What about all the experienced professionals out there? 🤷
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First OfficerSan Francisco, CA - A year ago
It's absurd that the First Officer position is so heavily dominated by men. We need more diversity in the aviation industry! 💪

Workplaces

Who Are the Top Employers for First Officer?
Top employers of First Officer position: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, SkyWest Airlines. People who work in First Officer position most typically go on to work for the American Airlines.
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First OfficerNew York City, NY - A year ago
As someone with experience in the industry, I can confidently say that American Airlines offers the best work-life balance for First Officers. Don't settle for anything less!
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First OfficerSan Francisco, CA - A year ago
SkyWest Airlines has been a nightmare to work for! Terrible management, constant schedule changes, and low pay. Steer clear of them!
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
SkyWest Airlines
What Industries Does First Officer Typically Have Experience In?
Industry Background: The most typical industries of First Officer: Transportation & Warehousing, Public Administration, Administrative & Support, Manufacturing, Information Technology. First Officer employees most likely come from a Transportation & Warehousing industry background.
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First OfficerNew York City, NY - A year ago
I absolutely love being a First Officer in the information technology field. It's exciting to be part of the digital revolution.
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First OfficerHouston, TX - A year ago
Y'all, stereotypes be damned! First Officers can come from any industry background, so don't limit their potential.

Find your job as First Officer

Discussion about First Officer

Want to know more about First Officer position?
Share your thoughts and ideas about First Officer position with others in our community.
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Do a lot of women work as a First Officer?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
It’s mainly dominated by men.
What is the typical age of people who work as a First Officer?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
The typical age is 30.
Is a First Officer considered to be a senior profession?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
You probably need around 6 years to work as a First Officer
Which industries should a First Officer consider working in?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
For a First Officer it’s the most likely to work in the Transportation & Warehousing.
What kind of higher education a First Officer need?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
Most people have a Bachelor of Science degree
Where are you working as a First Officer?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
If you are a First Officer you should definitely apply for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, SkyWest Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines
How many years do people spend as a First Officer in their career path?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
4 years is the typical lifespan for a First Officer.
How common is it for a First Officer to jump from company to company?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
Getting experience working for multiple companies is typical for a First Officer.
What jobs do people work in before becoming a First Officer?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
Most people come from Flight Instructor, Captain or Pilot roles
If I’m working as a First Officer, what next position could I have?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
Captain, Pilot or Flight Instructor can be a good next step
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Disclaimer

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