How to Become a Commercial Pilot
Fly charter, cargo, medical, and agricultural missions, the professional path toward airline flight decks. It typically requires an associate degree + flight training, with a median salary of $123,220 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$123,220/yr
Job growth
5%
Openings / yr
6,600
Majors that lead here
Common majors include Aviation Science, Aeronautics.
Key skills
- Aircraft Operation
- Navigation
- Weather Interpretation
- Monitoring
- Decision Making
Helpful certifications
- FAA Commercial Pilot certificate + instrument rating
- ATP (airline track)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Air Traffic Controller$148,080 median
- Aircraft Mechanic$79,870 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Commercial Pilot make?
The median pay for a Commercial Pilot is $123,220 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Commercial Pilot?
The usual entry point is an associate degree + flight training. Common majors are Aviation Science and Aeronautics.
Is Commercial Pilot a growing field?
The BLS projects faster than average demand for this role, about 5% over the decade, with roughly 6,600 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Commercial Pilot use most?
Common skills for this role are Aircraft Operation, Navigation, Weather Interpretation, Monitoring, and Decision Making.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.