Commercial Pilots
SOC code 53-2012 · O*NET-SOC 53-2012.00 · Medium preparation needed · Transportation
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Commercial Pilots pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$123,220
a year
Hourly
—
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$146,080
— per hour
Middle 50%
$84,540 – $190,440
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$58,850 – $266,620
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
47,630
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $58,850
- —/hr
- 25th percentile
- $84,540
- —/hr
- Median percentile
- $123,220
- —/hr
- 75th percentile
- $190,440
- —/hr
- 90th percentile
- $266,620
- —/hr
What does a commercial pilot do?
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
- Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.
- Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
- Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
- Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
- Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
- Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
- Plan flights according to government and company regulations, using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments.
How to become a commercial pilot
Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 36% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Post-Secondary Certificate36%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)29%
- Some College Courses17%
- Less than a High School Diploma15%
Common questions
How much does a commercial pilot earn?
The national median is $123,220 a year. The full range runs from $58,850 at the 10th percentile to $266,620 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a commercial pilot without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Monitoring4.1/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Reading Comprehension3.8/5
- Speaking3.8/5
- Active Learning3.6/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Transportation4.0/5
- Geography3.6/5
- Public Safety and Security3.6/5
- Mechanical3.4/5
- Law and Government3.3/5
- Computers and Electronics3.2/5
Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving.