Commercial Pilots
About the Role
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-winged aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires a Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots.
Responsibilities
- Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
- Check the flight performance of new and experimental planes.
- Perform minor aircraft maintenance and repair work, or arrange for major maintenance.
- Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
- Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.
- Supervise other crew members.
Related Job Titles
- Flyer
- Photogrammetry Airplane Pilot
- Aerial Sprayer
Job Demand
In the United States, there were 40,800 jobs for Commercial Pilots in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 3.7%, which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,500 new jobs by 2026, with 4,000 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Commercial Pilots are Tennessee, Utah, and Arizona. States with the least growth are Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Vermont.
Pay
The salary for Commercial Pilots ranges between about $44,660 and $160,480 a year. The highest salaries are in South Carolina, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
Tools & Technology
- Microsoft Office
- AirSmith FlightPrompt
- MJI CCS PilotLog
- Polaris Microsystems AeroLog Pro
- Polaris Microsystems CharterLog
- AeroPlanner
- Notam Development Group Airport Insight
- Navzilla
- Pilot Navigator Software Load Balance
- Flight simulation software
Qualifications
Requires a Commercial Pilot certificate.
How to Become a Commercial Pilot
Review education and training requirements to enter the field. The time required to become a Commercial Pilot varies based on training and certification progress.