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Transportation and Logistics

Commercial Pilots

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Commercial Pilots
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Median pay

$122,670
Median annual pay for Commercial Pilots.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

5.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

6,600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

55,400
Estimated U.S. employment for Commercial Pilots in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+2,800
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Transportation
  4. 4Geography
  5. 5Public Safety and Security
  6. 6Mechanical

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Perceptual Speed
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Deductive Reasoning
  6. 6Depth Perception

Career interests

  1. 1Conventional
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Enterprising
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Investigative
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Cautiousness
  2. 2Self-Control
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Attention to Detail
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Self-Confidence

Work activities

  1. 1Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  2. 2Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  3. 3Controlling Machines and Processes
  4. 4Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  5. 5Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  6. 6Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Freedom to Make Decisions
  3. 3Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
  4. 4Health and Safety of Other Workers
  5. 5Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  6. 6Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

Representative tasks

  • Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
  • Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.
  • Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
  • Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
  • Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
  • Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
  • Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
  • Plan flights according to government and company regulations, using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments.

Software and tools

Adobe Creative Cloud software · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologySkylog Services Skylog ProSBS International Maestro SuiteRMS Technology FlitesoftPolaris Microsystems CharterLogPolaris Microsystems AeroLog ProPix4D Pix4DmapperPix4D Pix4DcapturePilot Navigator Software Load BalanceOpenDroneMapNotam Development Group Airport Insight

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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