What does a commercial pilot do?
Commercial pilots fly aircraft for pay. Unlike airline pilots, who fly scheduled passenger routes for airlines, commercial pilots do many other kinds of flying. They might fly charter passengers, haul cargo, give air tours, spray crops, fight fires, take aerial photos, fly medical helicopters or teach new pilots.
Every flight starts with planning. Pilots check the weather, plan routes and fuel, calculate weight and balance, and review airspace and airport information. Before takeoff, they inspect the aircraft to make sure it is safe.
In the air, pilots fly the aircraft, talk with air traffic control, watch the weather and monitor systems. They make decisions quickly when conditions change. After landing, they log flight time and report any maintenance issues.
Depending on the job, commercial pilots may also load baggage, deal with customers, schedule flights or do light aircraft upkeep. Small operators often expect pilots to do a bit of everything.
Tools of the job include aircraft controls and avionics, flight planning apps, charts, headsets, radios and electronic flight bags.
Commercial pilots fly for:
- Charter and air taxi companies
- Cargo operators
- Flight schools, as instructors
- Air ambulance and medical transport services
- Agricultural, survey, tour and firefighting operators
A typical day
- Check weather, plan the route and file a flight plan
- Inspect the aircraft and review maintenance records
- Brief passengers or crew and load cargo
- Fly the trip, working with air traffic control
- Log flight time and report any aircraft issues
Commercial pilot pay and job outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, commercial pilots earn a median of $123,220 a year. BLS publishes only yearly wages for pilots, not hourly wages, because their schedules differ from a standard 40-hour week. Pay varies widely by type of flying. Entry-level jobs like flight instructing often pay much less, while experienced charter, corporate and specialized pilots can earn much more.
The BLS counts about 50,400 commercial pilot jobs. Employment is projected to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035, with about 5,200 openings each year. BLS counts airline pilots as a separate occupation.
Pros
- High median pay once you are experienced.
- Exciting work with a view most people never see.
- Many types of flying to choose from.
- A path to airline, corporate or specialized careers.
Cons
- Training is very expensive, and early jobs often pay little.
- It takes years to build the hours for top jobs.
- Irregular schedules, nights and time away from home.
- You must pass regular medical exams to keep flying.
Training options: Part 61 vs. Part 141 flight schools
There is no apprenticeship route into flying. You train with a flight school or independent instructor and earn FAA certificates one step at a time.
Part 141 flight schools. These schools are approved by the FAA and use a structured, FAA-audited curriculum. Because of that structure, the FAA allows lower minimum hours for some certificates. Many collegiate aviation programs and large flight academies operate under Part 141.
Part 61 flight training. Part 61 training is more flexible. You can train with a local flight school or independent instructor on your own schedule. It may require more minimum hours, but it can be a good fit if you are working while you train.
Aviation degree programs. Some colleges offer bachelor’s or associate degrees in aviation that include flight training. Graduates of certain FAA-approved degree programs may qualify for a restricted ATP certificate with fewer than 1,500 hours.
Training costs are the biggest hurdle. Going from no experience to a commercial certificate often costs about $70,000 to more than $100,000, depending on the school and aircraft. Some airlines offer pilot pathway programs, and some lenders offer flight training loans.
Certification and licensing by state
Pilots are certificated by the FAA, not by states. FAA certificates are valid nationwide.
The usual path is:
- Medical certificate: at least second class for commercial flying, first class for airline captains
- Private pilot certificate: your first certificate, with a minimum age of 17
- Instrument rating: flying by instruments in clouds and low visibility
- Commercial pilot certificate: minimum age 18, with at least 250 hours under Part 61 or fewer under Part 141
- Multi-engine rating and flight instructor certificates: common additions for building experience
- ATP certificate: required for airline pilots, generally at age 23 with 1,500 hours, with some exceptions
Each certificate requires a knowledge test and a practical test (checkride) with an FAA inspector or designated examiner.
Specializations and where they lead
- Flight instructor. Teach new pilots while building hours. A common first job.
- Charter and corporate pilot. Fly business travelers and private clients.
- Cargo pilot. Fly packages and freight, often at night.
- Agricultural, firefighting or helicopter pilot. Specialized flying that usually requires extra training.
- Airline pilot. With an ATP certificate, fly for regional and major airlines.
How to choose a flight school
The right flight school gets you certificated safely and on budget. Ask these questions:
- Is the school Part 141, Part 61 or both? Pick the structure that fits your schedule and goals.
- What is the total estimated cost to reach a commercial certificate? Ask what is included and what happens if you need extra hours.
- How many aircraft and instructors are available? Too few can slow your training.
- What is the aircraft maintenance and safety record? Ask how the school handles maintenance and safety.
- What are checkride pass rates? Ask for first-time pass rates for each certificate.
- Is financial aid, the GI Bill or a loan program available? Ask about payment plans and refund policies.
- Does the school have airline or employer partnerships? Some lead to instructor jobs or airline pathway programs.
