CAREER
Commercial Pilots
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$99,640
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+5.1% (as fast as the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
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.
Other Job Titles Commercial Pilots May Have
Captain, EMS Helicopter Pilot (Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot), First Officer, Pilot
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
- Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight according to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
- Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
- Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Commercial Pilots
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (28%)
Bachelor's degree
Post-secondary certificate
High school diploma or equivalent
Majors Related to Career
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
