Commercial pilots
SOC Code: 53-2012Also known as:
Advanced Air Mobility Operator (AAM Operator), Advanced Air Mobility Pilot (AAM Pilot), Advanced Air Mobility Technician (AAM Technician), Aerial Advertiser, Aerial Crop Duster
Median Annual Salary
$122,670
+5.1% growth (2024-2034)
7K
Openings/Year
55K
Current Jobs
What Commercial pilots 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.
💰 Salary
$122,670
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.1%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
7K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
55,400
Projected Employment (2034)
58,300
Related Careers
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
$78,680 •
+4.0% growth
Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
$226,600 •
+3.9% growth
Air traffic controllers
$144,580 •
+1.2% growth
Airfield operations specialists
$56,750 •
+4.2% growth
Transportation inspectors
$85,750 •
+1.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight according to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Commercial pilots
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a commercial pilots:
Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew
2,249 degrees awarded •
103 colleges offer this program
Flight Instructor
30 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Commercial pilots
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become commercial pilots.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do commercial pilots make?
The median annual salary for commercial pilots is $122,670.
What education do commercial pilots need?
Most commercial pilots positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew, Flight Instructor.
Is becoming commercial pilots a good career choice?
Commercial pilots is projected to see +5.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 6,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for commercial pilots?
Top colleges for aspiring commercial pilots include
Purdue University-Main Campus, Auburn University, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Louisiana Tech University, Kansas State University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to commercial pilots?
Commercial pilots may also be known as: Advanced Air Mobility Operator (AAM Operator), Advanced Air Mobility Pilot (AAM Pilot), Advanced Air Mobility Technician (AAM Technician), Aerial Advertiser, Aerial Crop Duster, Aerial Hurricane Hunter, Aerial Sprayer, Agricultural Pilot, Air Ambulance Captain, Air Ambulance Helicopter Pilot, Air Tour Pilot, Air Transport Pilot, Airplane Patroller, Airplane Pilot, Aviator, Balloon Pilot, Balloonist, Captain, Charter Pilot, Check Airman.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.