A flight engineer's salary is highly dependent on a number of factors. These include the distance flown, aircraft used and the hours spent in the air. The average salary is around $130,000. This profession also has numerous other benefits for both the individual and their family. Free flights or significantly reduced air travel costs are common. They also receive life insurance, paid sick leave, up to a month of vacation and retirement benefits. Most flight engineers also belong to unions, protecting their wages and their jobs.

Higher wages can also be attained by upgrading to the pilot profession. This promotion is a frequent occurrence, as most flight engineers already have a pilot's license. This may become very important in upcoming years, with the employment opportunties for flight engineers constantly decreasing.