FAQ
Airline Pilot FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an airline pilot.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an airline pilot: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about airline pilots
How many hours do airline pilots need?
Usually 1,500 for the ATP, with some reductions for certain programs.
Do airline pilots need a degree?
Most airlines prefer one.
Is pay high?
Yes, BLS reports very high median pay.
How much does an airline pilot make?
The median annual wage for airline pilots was $232,140 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $106,710 and the highest 10% earned more than $463,830.
How long does it take to become an airline pilot?
Most people need about Years of flight training and hours of training. A bachelor’s degree is typical, plus FAA pilot certificates and an Airline Transport Pilot certificate.
Do you need a degree to be an airline pilot?
Usually. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, and every airline pilot needs an FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which generally requires 1,500 flight hours.
Is airline pilot a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +8.3% from 2025–35 (much faster than average), with about 11,200 openings each year. Upsides include very high pay; a common challenge is that expensive training.
What skills does an airline pilot need?
Key technical skills include aircraft operation, navigation, weather, and atc communication. Employers also value decision-making, calm under pressure, and teamwork.
What certifications are available for airline pilots?
Common credentials include ATP certificate, First-class medical, Type rating, and Instrument and multi-engine ratings. Airline pilots need an FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate and an FAA medical certificate.
Still deciding?
Try the Airline Pilot fit quiz, compare with Commercial Pilot, or explore Airline Pilot training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-2011 (Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.