Median pay: $89,400
Top pay: $163,000
10-year job growth: 8%
Total jobs: 60,000
The job:
Airline pilots typically don't make as much as military pilots starting out, but "multiple combat tours are not good on family," says Bob Worthington, president of the U.S. Airline Pilots Association. The family-friendly aspects of flying a corporate or commercial aircraft make the job particularly attractive for vets with young children. Also, as you rise in rank in the military, you often fly less, while as a civilian pilot your career will revolve around being in the air.
How to switch:
You'll have to convert your military flight certification into an FAA one. The protocol varies depending on the type of planes you flew.
Quality of life ratings:
| Personal satisfaction |
Benefit to society |
Low stress |
Flexibility |
| B |
C |
C |
B |
By Anne C. Lee and Heather Muse
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