### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Airline and Commercial Pilots Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                    
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			airline and commercial pilots imageAirline and commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft.							
						Quick Facts:     Airline and Commercial Pilots2023     Median Pay
            						$171,210     per yearTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    See How to Become OneWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    See How to Become OneOn-the-job Training
                                    Moderate-term on-the-job trainingNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    142,600Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    4% (As fast as average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    5,600What Airline and Commercial Pilots Do
                                                
                        
                        
Airline and commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Pilots usually have variable work schedules, with overnight layovers that are more common for airline pilots.
            
                                                How to Become an Airline or Commercial Pilot
                                                
                        
Airline pilots typically need a bachelor’s degree and experience as a commercial or military pilot. Commercial pilots typically need flight training. Both also must meet Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) requirements.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $219,140 in May 2023.									                                														The median annual wage for commercial pilots was $113,080 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of airline and commercial pilots is projected to grow							 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
						About 16,800 openings for airline and commercial pilots are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for airline and commercial pilots.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of airline and commercial pilots with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about airline and commercial pilots by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Airline and Commercial Pilots Do 
            

			Airline and commercial pilotsCommercial pilots are involved in activities such as firefighting and crop dusting.			
Airline and commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft.
Duties
Pilots typically do the following:
Check the overall condition of the aircraft before and after every flight
Ensure that the aircraft is balanced and below its weight limit
Verify that the fuel supply is adequate and that weather conditions are acceptable
Prepare and submit flight plans to air traffic control
Communicate with air traffic control over the aircraft’s radio system
Operate and control aircraft along planned routes and during takeoffs and landings
Monitor engines, fuel consumption, and other aircraft systems during flight
Respond to changing conditions, such as weather events and emergencies (for example, a mechanical malfunction)
Navigate the aircraft by using cockpit instruments and visual referencesPilots plan their flights by checking that the aircraft is operable and safe, that the cargo has been loaded correctly, and that weather conditions are acceptable. They file flight plans with air traffic control and may modify the plans in flight because of changing weather conditions or other factors.
Takeoff and landing can be the most demanding parts of a flight. They require close coordination among the pilot; copilot; flight engineer, if present; air traffic controllers; and ground personnel. Once in the air, the captain may have the first officer, if present, fly the aircraft, but the captain remains responsible for the aircraft. After landing, pilots fill out records that document their flight and the status of the aircraft.
Some pilots are also instructors using simulators and dual-controlled aircraft to teach students how to fly.
The following are examples of types of pilots:
***Airline pilots*** work primarily for airlines that transport passengers and cargo on a fixed schedule. The captain or pilot in command, usually the most experienced pilot, supervises all other crew members and has primary responsibility for the flight. The copilot, often called the first officer or second in command, shares flight duties with the captain. Some older planes require a third pilot known as a flight engineer, who monitors instruments and operates controls. Technology has automated many of these tasks, and new aircraft do not require flight engineers.
***Commercial pilots*** are involved in unscheduled flight activities, such as aerial application, charter flights, and aerial tours. Commercial pilots may have additional nonflight duties. Some commercial pilots schedule flights, arrange for maintenance of the aircraft, and load luggage themselves. Pilots who transport company executives, also known as corporate pilots, greet their passengers before embarking on the flight.
Agricultural pilots typically handle agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides, and may be involved in other agricultural practices in addition to flying. Pilots, such as helicopter pilots, who fly at low levels must constantly look for trees, bridges, power lines, transmission towers, and other obstacles.
With proper training, airline pilots also may be deputized as federal law enforcement officers and be issued firearms to protect the cockpit.
 Work Environment
			Airline and commercial pilotsPilots have variable work schedules, which may include overnight layovers.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers held about 91,700 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers were as follows:
        Scheduled air transportation
                85%Couriers and express delivery services
                5Federal government, excluding postal service
                4Support activities for transportation
                2Nonscheduled air transportation
                1Commercial pilots held about 50,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of commercial pilots were as follows:
        Nonscheduled air transportation
                38%Support activities for air transportation
                10Ambulance services
                8Technical and trade schools; private
                7Professional, scientific, and technical services
                4Pilots assigned to long-distance routes may experience fatigue and jetlag. Weather conditions may result in turbulence, requiring pilots to change the flying altitude. Flights can be long and flight decks are often sealed, so pilots work in small teams for long periods in close proximity to one another.
Aerial applicators, also known as crop dusters, may be exposed to toxic chemicals, typically use unimproved landing strips, such as grass, dirt, or gravel surface, and may be at risk of collision with power lines. Helicopter pilots involved in rescue operations may fly at low levels during bad weather or at night, and land in areas surrounded by power lines, highways, and other obstacles. Pilots use hearing protection devices to prevent their exposure to engine noise.
The high level of concentration required to fly an aircraft and the mental stress of being responsible for the safety of passengers can be fatiguing. Pilots must be alert and quick to react if something goes wrong. Federal law requires pilots to retire at age 65.
Most pilots are based near large airports.
Injuries and Illnesses
Although fatalities are uncommon, commercial pilots experience one of the highest rates of occupational fatalities of all occupations.
Work Schedules
Federal regulations set the maximum work hours and minimum requirements for rest between flights for most pilots. Airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month performing other duties, such as checking weather conditions and preparing flight plans. Pilots have variable work schedules that may include some days of work followed by some days off. Flight assignments are based on seniority. Seniority enables pilots who have worked at a company for a long time to get preferred routes and schedules.
Airline pilots may spend several nights a week away from home because flight assignments often involve overnight layovers. When pilots are away from home, the airlines typically provide hotel accommodations, transportation to the airport, and an allowance for meals and other expenses.
Commercial pilots also may have irregular schedules. Although most commercial pilots remain near their home overnight, some may still work nonstandard hours.
 How to Become an Airline or Commercial Pilot

			Airline and commercial pilotsAirline and commercial pilots who are newly hired by airlines or on-demand air services companies must undergo on-the-job training.			
Airline pilots typically need a bachelor’s degree and experience as a commercial or military pilot. Commercial pilots typically need flight training, and some employers may require or prefer them to have a degree.
Airline and commercial pilots also must have specific certificates and ratings from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Education
Airline pilots typically need a bachelor’s degree in any field, including transportation, engineering, or business. They also complete flight training with independent FAA-certified flight instructors or at schools that offer flight training.
Commercial pilots typically complete flight training, and some employers require or prefer that they have a degree.
The FAA certifies hundreds of civilian flight schools, which range from small fixed base operators (FBO) to state universities. Some colleges and universities offer pilot training as part of a 2- or 4-year aviation degree.
Training
Airline and commercial pilots who are newly hired by airlines or on-demand air services companies undergo on-the-job training in accordance with federal regulations. This training usually includes several weeks of ground school and flight training. Various types of ratings for specific aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 or Cessna Citation, typically are acquired through employer-based training and generally are earned by pilots who have at least a commercial pilot certificate.
Pilots also must maintain their experience in performing certain maneuvers. This requirement means that pilots must perform specific maneuvers and procedures a given number of times within a specified amount of time. Pilots also must undergo periodic training and medical examinations, generally every year or every other year.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Airline pilots typically need work experience as a commercial or military pilot.
To get a job with a major or regional airline, pilots need extensive flight experience. Some pilots work as flight instructors or on-demand charter pilots, positions that usually require less experience than airline jobs require, to help build enough flying hours so that they can apply to the airlines.
Military pilots may transfer to civilian aviation and apply directly to airlines to become airline pilots.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Those who are seeking a career as a professional pilot must meet FAA requirements. Pilots typically get their FAA-issued certificates and ratings in the following order:
Student pilot certificate
Private pilot certificate
Instrument rating
Commercial pilot certificate
Multi-engine rating
Airline transport pilot certificateEach certificate and rating requires that pilots pass a knowledge test on the ground and a practical flying exam, usually called a check ride, in an appropriate aircraft. In addition to earning these credentials, many pilots get a flight instructor certificate after they get their commercial pilot certificate. The flight instructor certificate helps them build flight time and experience quickly and at less personal expense.
***Commercial pilot certificate.*** To qualify for a commercial pilot certificate, applicants must meet age and flight-hour requirements. Student pilots use a logbook and keep detailed records of their flight time, which must be endorsed by a flight instructor. Federal regulations specify the types and quantities of flight experience and knowledge needed.
Applicants must pass the appropriate medical exam, meet all of the detailed flight experience and knowledge requirements, and pass a written exam and a practical flight exam in order to get a commercial pilot certificate. The medical exam confirms that the pilot’s vision is correctable to 20/20 and that no physical or mental conditions exist that could impair the pilot’s performance.
Commercial pilots must hold an instrument rating if they want to carry passengers for pay more than 50 miles from the point of origin of their flight, or at night.
***Instrument rating.*** Pilots who earn an instrument rating can fly during periods of low visibility, also known as instrument meteorological conditions, or IMC. They may qualify for this rating by having at least 40 hours of instrument flight experience and 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command, and by meeting other requirements detailed in the federal regulations.
***Airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate.*** All pilot crews of a scheduled commercial airliner must have ATP certificates. To earn the ATP certificate, applicants must meet certain federal requirements, such as for age, hours of flight, and written and practical exams. A commercial pilot certificate is a prerequisite for the ATP. Airline pilots usually maintain one or more aircraft-type ratings, which allow them to fly aircraft that require specific training, depending on the requirements of their particular airline.
Pilots must pass periodic physical and practical flight examinations to be able to perform the duties granted by their certificate.
Advancement
Commercial pilots may advance to airline pilots after completing a degree, accruing required flight time, and obtaining an ATP certificate.
Advancement for airline pilots depends on a system of seniority outlined in collective bargaining contracts.
Important Qualities
***Communication skills.*** Pilots must speak clearly when conveying information to air traffic controllers and other crew members. They must also listen carefully for instructions.
***Observational skills.*** Pilots regularly watch over screens, gauges, and dials to make sure that all systems are in working order. They also need to maintain situational awareness by looking for other aircraft or obstacles. Pilots must be able to see clearly, be able to judge the distance between objects, and possess good color vision.
***Problem-solving skills.*** Pilots must be able to identify complex problems and figure out appropriate solutions. When a plane encounters turbulence, for example, pilots assess the weather conditions and request a change in route or altitude from air traffic control.
***Quick reaction time.*** Pilots must respond quickly, and with good judgment, to any impending danger.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                        Airline and Commercial PilotsMedian annual wages, May 2023Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers$219,140  Aircraft pilots and flight engineers$171,210  Commercial pilots$113,080  Air transportation workers$97,320  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $219,140 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $101,710, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $239,200.The median annual wage for commercial pilots was $113,080 in May 2023. 


The lowest 10 percent earned less than $56,260, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $239,200.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Couriers and express delivery services
                $239,200 or moreScheduled air transportation
                231,560Nonscheduled air transportation
                133,860Federal government, excluding postal service
                123,430Support activities for transportation
                118,810In May 2023, the median annual wages for commercial pilots in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Professional, scientific, and technical services
                $123,800Support activities for air transportation
                119,080Nonscheduled air transportation
                107,780Ambulance services
                94,160Technical and trade schools; private
                91,370Airline pilots usually begin their careers as first officers and receive wage increases as they accumulate experience and seniority.
In addition, airline pilots receive an expense allowance, or “per diem,” for every hour they are away from home, and they may earn extra pay for international flights. Airline pilots and their immediate families usually are entitled to free or reduced-fare flights.
Federal regulations set the maximum work hours and minimum requirements for rest between flights for most pilots. Airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month performing other duties, such as checking weather conditions and preparing flight plans. Pilots have variable work schedules that may include several days of work followed by some days off.
Airline pilots may spend several nights a week away from home because flight assignments often involve overnight layovers. When pilots are away from home, the airlines typically provide hotel accommodations, transportation to the airport, and an allowance for meals and other expenses.
Commercial pilots also may have irregular schedules. Although most commercial pilots remain near their home overnight, they may still work nonstandard hours.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                      Airline and Commercial PilotsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Air transportation workers7%  Commercial pilots4%  Aircraft pilots and flight engineers4%  Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers4%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of airline and commercial pilots is projected to grow				 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
			
			About 16,800 openings for airline and commercial pilots are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Employment of airline and commercial pilots is projected to grow as the demand for air travel increases. The post-pandemic expansion of hybrid and remote work arrangements is likely to increase demand for trips that combine business and personal travel, also known as “bleisure” travel, supporting employment demand for pilots.
Continued demand for private chartered flights is expected to sustain job growth for commercial pilots.
			

                        Employment projections data for     airline and commercial pilots, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Aircraft pilots and flight engineers**
			53-2010
			142,600
			148,100
			4
			5,600
			Get data**Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers**
			53-2011
			91,700
			95,200
			4
			3,500
			Get data**Commercial pilots**
			53-2012
			50,900
			52,900
			4
			2,100
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
					Commercial pilots **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of airline and commercial pilots. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Air Traffic Controllers**
            Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft to maintain safe distances between them.
            Associate's degree
            $137,380**Water Transportation Workers**
            Water transportation workers operate and maintain vessels that take cargo and people over water.
            See How to Become One
            $64,930
 Contacts for More Information
								
For a list of FAA-approved pilot school locations, visit online or contact your local FAA field office for training providers in your area.
For specific information about pilot certificate and ratings requirements and other federal regulations, visit
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 14
For more information about pilots, visit
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Air Line Pilots Association, International
Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations
Federal Aviation Administration
Helicopter Association International
National Agricultural Aviation Association

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight EngineersCommercial Pilots
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Airline and Commercial Pilots, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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