Transportation & Logistics career

Commercial Pilot

Also called: Charter Pilot · Corporate Pilot · Cargo Pilot · Helicopter Pilot

What commercial pilots do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a commercial pilot do?

Commercial pilots fly aircraft for hire outside the major airlines, including charter, corporate, cargo, aerial tours, crop dusting, medical transport and flight instruction. The median pay is $123,220 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–2 years of flight training, and employment is projected to grow +5.2% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $123,220
    Annual salary · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +5.2%
    2025–35, faster than average
  • Openings per year
    5,200
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Postsecondary nondegree award
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    1–2 years of flight training
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    50,400
    Employment, 2025

What commercial pilots do

Commercial pilots fly for pay: charter and corporate flights, cargo runs, medical helicopters, aerial survey and firefighting, crop dusting and sightseeing tours. Many also work as flight instructors while building hours. They plan flights, check weather and aircraft performance, inspect the aircraft, fly safely and keep records.

Pilots earn a private pilot certificate, an instrument rating and a commercial pilot certificate, which requires at least 250 flight hours under standard rules. Many go on to the airline transport pilot certificate and airline careers. Flight training is expensive, but demand for pilots has been strong.

Typical duties

  • Plan flights and check weather and NOTAMs
  • Calculate weight, balance and performance
  • Inspect aircraft before flight
  • Fly safely under FAA regulations
  • Communicate with air traffic control
  • Handle passengers or cargo
  • Keep logbooks and flight records

Work environment and schedule

Pilots work in cockpits, on ramps and in flight planning offices. Some jobs involve remote locations, overnight trips and flying in challenging weather.

Schedule: Schedules vary widely: charter pilots are often on call, cargo pilots fly nights and corporate pilots follow executives’ travel.

A day in the life

  1. Check weather, NOTAMs and the charter itinerary.
  2. Calculate weight and balance for four passengers and their bags.
  3. Preflight the twin-engine aircraft and order fuel.
  4. Brief passengers and depart under an IFR clearance.

See a full day in the life of a commercial pilot →

Commercial Pilot salary

Half of commercial pilots earned more than $123,220 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $58,850 for the lowest 10% to $266,620 for the top 10%.

Full commercial pilot pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a commercial pilot

  1. Get a medical certificate
  2. Earn a private pilot certificate
  3. Add an instrument rating
  4. Earn a commercial certificate
  5. Build experience

Pilots complete flight training at a flight school or through a collegiate aviation program. A commercial certificate requires at least 250 flight hours under Part 61 rules, or fewer in approved Part 141 programs, plus an instrument rating for most jobs.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a commercial pilot →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Aircraft handling
  • Instrument flying
  • Flight planning
  • Weather interpretation
  • Aviation regulations

People skills

  • Decision making
  • Situational awareness
  • Composure
  • Discipline

All commercial pilot skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Flying for a living
  • Strong pay with experience
  • Variety of flying jobs
  • Path to airline careers

Cons

  • Expensive flight training
  • Irregular schedules
  • Medical requirements
  • Time away from home

Certifications and licenses

  • Commercial pilot certificate: FAA certificate required to fly for compensation.
  • Instrument rating: Required to fly in clouds and low visibility.
  • Second-class medical certificate: Required to exercise commercial privileges.
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): Lets pilots teach and build hours.

Career path

  1. Flight Instructor: Teach while building hours.
  2. Commercial Pilot: Fly charter, cargo or tours.
  3. Corporate or Captain: Fly larger aircraft as captain.
  4. Airline Pilot or Chief Pilot: Move to airlines or lead a flight department.

Learn the job before day one

Our Commercial Pilot training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as plan a charter flight and perform an aircraft preflight inspection, safety and how to land your first job.

View Commercial Pilot trainingIs this career right for me?

Air Traffic Controller

Keep aircraft safely separated in the sky and on the ground.

  • $148,080
  • FAA Academy plus 2–4 years on the job

Aircraft Mechanic

Inspect, maintain and repair airplanes and helicopters to FAA standards.

  • $79,870
  • 18–30 months

Flight Attendant

Keep airline passengers safe and comfortable from boarding to arrival.

  • $63,580
  • 3–8 weeks of airline training

Avionics Technician

Install, test and repair the electronics that fly and navigate aircraft.

  • $82,280
  • 12–24 months

Compare: Commercial Pilot vs. Air Traffic Controller · Commercial Pilot vs. Aircraft Mechanic · Commercial Pilot vs. Flight Attendant · Commercial Pilot vs. Avionics Technician

Commercial Pilot FAQ

How many hours do commercial pilots need?

At least 250 hours under Part 61, or fewer in approved Part 141 programs.

Is a commercial pilot the same as an airline pilot?

No. Airline captains need an ATP and fly for major or regional airlines.

Is flight training expensive?

Yes, training can be costly, though some airlines and schools offer financing and pathway programs.

How much does a commercial pilot make?

The median annual wage for commercial pilots was $123,220 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $58,850 and the highest 10% earned more than $266,620.

How long does it take to become a commercial pilot?

Most people need about 1–2 years of flight training of training. Pilots complete flight training at a flight school or through a collegiate aviation program. A commercial certificate requires at least 250 flight hours under Part 61 rules, or fewer in approved Part 141 programs, plus an instrument rating for most jobs.

Do you need a degree to be a commercial pilot?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

More commercial pilot questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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