Commercial Pilots
Commercial pilots operate fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters on nonscheduled routes, including charter flights, air ambulance services, and air tours. They handle flight planning, navigation, and aircraft operation. These pilots work for charter companies, air taxi services, medical transport operations, and tourism companies rather than major airlines.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against commercial pilots and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves preflight inspections, reviewing weather conditions, and filing flight plans. Pilots conduct passenger or cargo flights ranging from short regional hops to longer journeys. Work includes communicating with air traffic control, managing aircraft systems during flight, and completing post-flight documentation. Schedules vary based on client demand, with some weeks involving multiple daily flights and others containing longer gaps between assignments.
Who this work suits
Holland code CRE. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this role if you're practical and detail-oriented, preferring hands-on technical work over desk jobs. You enjoy working with mechanical systems, following established procedures, and making real-time decisions. Comfort with responsibility and a methodical approach to problem-solving fit this career.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $172,500 | $232,160 | $315,450 | 460 |
| New Jersey | $121,730 | $226,710 | $321,550 | 670 |
| New York | $103,390 | $177,430 | $257,810 | 1,070 |
| California | $85,020 | $165,590 | $278,940 | 4,900 |
| Delaware | $124,180 | $163,600 | $198,380 | 220 |
| Ohio | $82,440 | $150,330 | $211,620 | 2,680 |
| Georgia | $102,090 | $145,100 | $173,870 | 1,020 |
| Colorado | $98,050 | $139,680 | $210,470 | 1,240 |
| Texas | $101,090 | $137,960 | $196,400 | 4,120 |
| Vermont | $65,090 | $137,810 | $191,690 | 40 |
| Pennsylvania | $96,780 | $134,030 | $200,910 | 530 |
| North Dakota | $92,870 | $133,010 | $234,990 | 370 |
All 48 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Commercial Pilot (CP) — Federal Aviation Administration
- Commercial Pilot - Airplane Airman Certification — Federal Aviation Administration
- Commercial Pilot, Helicopter Rating — Federal Aviation Administration
- Commercial Pilot, Airplane Multi-Engine (AME) Rating — Federal Aviation Administration
- Commercial Pilot, Airplane Single Engine (ASE) Rating — Federal Aviation Administration
- Commercial Pilot, Glider Rating — Federal Aviation Administration
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against commercial pilots and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-2012.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.