For Airline Pilots, Work/Life Balance is Important

Published: 09-24-2018
Why do pilots have such a unique lifestyle?

Being a pilot is a unique job. Few other workers travel around the world, spend their nights in hotel, and have such varied schedules as airline pilots.

And the good news is that pilots are paid well as a result. According to Glassdoor, the average airline salary for a US pilot is $113,709.

But pilots also must contend with a unique lifestyle that can put a strain on relationships and family. As with any job, it’s important for partners to understand the job demands of their significant others, but pilots are in an especially unique situation.

Being a successful airline pilot is not like a 9-to-5 job. Pilots can’t expect to put in their hours, come home, and expect a warm, home-cooked meal every day.

Even the hours of pilot schedules can vary. Some days, pilots will work for five hours. Other days, pilots will work for fourteen hours. Sometimes, they fly at night. Sometimes, during the day.

Cargo flying especially can be rough for pilots with many assignments for flying late at night.

The commute is difficult as well. Pilots usually have to fly to their domicile, and then they begin their normal work. The cost of this practice is not the biggest issue, because pilots can usually jumpseat on any airline for free. The real problem for pilots is that they spend many days a year on their commute.

All of these factors depend on the airline, type of flying, and location of the company base.

Being an airline pilot is a great, well-paying job. But it takes a specific personality to love the airline lifestyle.

How do you deal with the work/life balance? Talk to us in our forum thread.


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