Pilot

Airline pilots earn a median salary of $211,790 – among the highest of any profession in the United States – and the industry is hiring at a pace not seen in decades.

A wave of mandatory retirements, fleet expansion, and post-pandemic travel demand has created a pilot shortage that is reshaping the industry. With 6% projected growth and approximately 6,900 annual openings, becoming a commercial pilot is a significant investment of time and money, but the long-term earning potential and career satisfaction are exceptional.

What Does a Pilot Do?

Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers operate fixed-wing aircraft on scheduled and non-scheduled air carrier routes for the transport of passengers and cargo. The role demands a combination of technical knowledge, situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and strict adherence to Federal Aviation Regulations.

Core responsibilities include:

• Pre-flight planning: Reviewing weather reports (METARs, TAFs, SIGMETs), NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions), flight plans, fuel calculations, weight and balance computations, and MEL (Minimum Equipment List) items before every flight
• Conducting pre-flight inspections: Walking around the aircraft to check control surfaces, tires, engine inlets, pitot tubes, and external condition before departure
• Operating the aircraft: Flying departure, en-route, and arrival phases using manual control and autopilot systems, following ATC clearances and company procedures
• Monitoring aircraft systems: Engine parameters (N1, EGT, oil pressure), hydraulic systems, electrical systems, pressurization, fuel quantity, and flight management system (FMS) performance
• Communicating with Air Traffic Control (ATC): Receiving and reading back clearances, reporting positions, requesting weather deviations, and coordinating with tower, approach, departure, and center controllers
• Managing abnormal and emergency situations: Engine failures, rapid decompression, fire warnings, severe weather encounters, diversions, and go-arounds – following emergency checklists and making real-time decisions
• Crew resource management: Coordinating with the other pilot (captain and first officer), flight attendants, dispatchers, and maintenance control
• Completing post-flight duties: Writing up any mechanical discrepancies in the aircraft logbook, filing post-flight reports, and debriefing with the crew

The captain (Pilot in Command) has final authority over the aircraft and all persons aboard. The first officer (copilot) shares flying duties and serves as a cross-check on every decision. This two-crew system is fundamental to aviation safety.

A Day in the Life of an Airline Pilot

Your alarm goes off at 4:15 AM in a hotel room in Denver. You are a first officer on a Boeing 737-800, starting day 3 of a 4-day trip. Today’s schedule: Denver to Chicago O’Hare, then Chicago to Philadelphia, then an overnight in Philly.

You meet the captain in the hotel lobby at 5:00 AM. The hotel shuttle drops you at the terminal by 5:20. At the gate, you pull up the dispatch release on the company iPad – the flight plan, weather, fuel load, and NOTAMs. Denver’s weather is clear, but Chicago has a cold front approaching that could bring low ceilings and gusty crosswinds by your arrival time. You and the captain discuss an alternate airport and verify you have enough fuel for the hold and diversion.

In the cockpit by 5:45, you begin the pre-flight flow: checking circuit breakers, testing flight instruments, verifying the FMS flight plan, setting the altimeter, briefing the departure procedure (BAYLR TWO departure, runway 34L). The captain does the walk-around while you coordinate with the gate agent on passenger count and cargo load. Weight and balance calculations check out.

Pushback at 6:30 AM. You are the flying pilot for this leg. You taxi to runway 34L following the ground controller’s instructions, run through the before-takeoff checklist, receive takeoff clearance, and advance the thrust levers. The 737 accelerates down the runway, you call “V1… rotate,” and lift off into a clear Colorado morning at 5,400 feet elevation.

Climbing through 18,000 feet, you engage the autopilot and settle into the cruise phase. Flight level 370 (37,000 feet). The ride is smooth. You monitor fuel burn, cross-check the FMS against ATC clearances, and eat the crew meal that was loaded in Denver.

Approaching Chicago, the ATIS reports ceilings at 800 feet, visibility 2 miles in light rain, winds 280 at 22 gusting 35. You brief the ILS approach to runway 27L, set up the approach in the FMS, and review the missed approach procedure. ATC vectors you onto final. At 200 feet above the runway, you break out of the clouds and see the approach lights. You flare, touch down, deploy the reversers, and taxi to the gate. Total flight time: 2 hours 38 minutes.

A 90-minute turn in Chicago. You grab a quick lunch at the terminal, then do it again to Philadelphia. The captain flies the second leg. You arrive in Philly at 5:30 PM, take the hotel shuttle, and have the evening off. Tomorrow is the last day of the trip – one leg back to your crew base.

The schedule is irregular by nature. You might work 4 days, be off for 3, work 2, be off for 4. Seniority determines how favorable your schedule is. Junior pilots get less desirable trips (early mornings, red-eyes, holidays). Senior captains bid for the best schedules and routes.

Pilot Salary and Job Outlook

National Salary Overview

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2024. Note: BLS data for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers (53-2011) primarily captures airline employment. Regional airline first officers start significantly lower.

Pay by Career Stage

Pilot compensation varies enormously depending on where you are in your career:

These figures include base pay, per diem, and profit sharing at major carriers. United, Delta, and American Airlines captains with seniority on widebody international routes can earn $400,000-$500,000+.

Top-Paying States for Airline Pilots

Source: BLS OES, May 2024. State wages reflect the domicile locations of major airlines (Delta in Georgia/Atlanta, United in Texas/Houston and Illinois/Chicago, etc.).

How to Become a Pilot

The FAA Certificate Pathway

Becoming an airline pilot requires a series of FAA certificates, each building on the last:

1. Private Pilot License (PPL)

• Minimum requirements: 40 flight hours (average students need 60-75 hours), pass written knowledge test, pass practical (checkride) exam
• Cost: $10,000-$18,000
• What it allows: Fly single-engine aircraft in visual conditions, carry passengers, but not for hire

2. Instrument Rating

• Minimum requirements: 50 hours of cross-country PIC time, 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, written test, practical exam
• Cost: $8,000-$15,000
• What it allows: Fly in clouds and low-visibility conditions using instruments alone

3. Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

• Minimum requirements: 250 flight hours total, written test, practical exam
• Cost: $10,000-$20,000
• What it allows: Fly for compensation – flight instruction, charter, aerial survey, banner towing, cargo

4. Multi-Engine Rating

• Minimum requirements: No minimum hours; practical exam in a multi-engine aircraft
• Cost: $3,000-$8,000
• What it allows: Fly aircraft with two or more engines

5. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII/MEI)

• Cost: $5,000-$10,000
• Purpose: Most pilots build flight hours by teaching. A CFI certificate allows you to log paid flight hours while instructing students.

6. Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate

• Minimum requirements: 1,500 flight hours total (1,000 for graduates of approved Part 141 programs with a bachelor’s degree in aviation), written test, practical exam in a type-specific aircraft
• What it allows: Serve as Pilot in Command at an airline operating under Part 121

Training Path Options

Part 61 Flight Schools:

• Traditional, flexible scheduling
• Often less expensive per hour but may take longer
• Good for students who need to work while training
• Total cost to ATP minimums: $80,000-$120,000

Part 141 Flight Schools:

• FAA-approved structured curriculum with stage checks
• Reduced hour requirements for certain certificates (ATP at 1,000 hours for R-ATP with a bachelor’s degree)
• Higher upfront cost but potentially faster completion
• Total cost to ATP minimums: $70,000-$100,000

University Aviation Programs:

• 4-year bachelor’s degree combined with flight training
• Qualify for Restricted ATP at 1,000 hours
• Total cost: $100,000-$200,000+ (includes degree)
• Examples: Embry-Riddle, University of North Dakota, Purdue, Western Michigan

Military Path:

• Flight training at no personal cost
• 8-10 year service commitment after earning wings
• Military pilots are highly sought after by airlines
• Transition to airlines typically in your 30s

Timeline

From zero flight hours to airline first officer: typically 3-5 years. A fast-track student at an accelerated flight school can earn all certificates in 12-18 months, then spend 1-2 years instructing to build to ATP minimums.

Licensing and Certification

FAA Medical Certificates

All pilots must hold a valid FAA medical certificate:

The first-class medical exam evaluates vision (20/20 correctable), hearing, cardiovascular health, mental health, and neurological function. Certain conditions (color vision deficiency, diabetes requiring insulin, history of substance abuse) can be disqualifying or require special issuance.

Type Ratings

A type rating is required to serve as PIC on any turbojet aircraft or any aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight over 12,500 pounds. Airlines provide type rating training for their specific aircraft (Boeing 737, Airbus A320, etc.) as part of new-hire training.

Recurrent Training Requirements

Airline pilots must complete recurrent training every 6-12 months, including:

• Simulator sessions covering emergency procedures, system failures, and instrument approaches
• Line-oriented flight training (LOFT) scenarios
• Written exams on aircraft systems and company procedures
• Physical proficiency checks (annual or semi-annual)

Skills and Tools

Technical Skills

• Instrument flight proficiency (ILS, VOR, RNAV/GPS approaches)
• Flight Management System (FMS) programming and operation
• Aircraft systems knowledge (hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic, fuel, pressurization)
• Weather analysis and decision-making (METARs, TAFs, radar interpretation)
• Weight and balance calculations and performance planning
• Crew Resource Management (CRM) and threat/error management
• Emergency and abnormal procedure execution

Equipment and Technology

• Aircraft: Boeing 737/757/767/777/787, Airbus A220/A320/A330/A350, Embraer E170/E175/E190, CRJ-200/700/900
• Flight deck instruments: Primary Flight Display (PFD), Navigation Display (ND), Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS), FMS/CDU
• Electronic Flight Bag (EFB): iPad-based applications for charts, weather, performance calculations, and company manuals (Jeppesen, ForeFlight)
• Communication: VHF and HF radios, ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System), CPDLC (Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications)

Soft Skills

• Decision-making under pressure and time constraints
• Clear, concise radio communication
• Teamwork and crew coordination
• Adaptability to changing conditions (weather, mechanical issues, schedule disruptions)
• Discipline in following procedures and checklists
• Stress management and fatigue awareness

Work Environment

Settings

Airline pilots work in the cockpit (flight deck) of commercial aircraft, in airport terminals during layovers, and in hotel rooms during overnight trips. Training occurs in full-motion flight simulators at airline training centers.

Schedule

Airline pilots do not work traditional Monday-Friday schedules. Trips are bid monthly based on seniority, and schedules vary significantly:

• Line holder (typical): 12-16 days of flying per month, with 14-19 days off
• Reserve (junior pilots): On-call for 12-15 days per month, with specific availability windows
• Trip structure: 1-4 day trips. Multi-day trips include overnights in various cities with hotel accommodations and per diem (typically $2.00-$2.50/hour while away from base)

FAA rest rules require a minimum of 10 hours of rest between duty periods, with 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep opportunity. Monthly flight time is capped at 100 hours, and annual flight time at 1,000 hours.

Physical Demands

Flying itself is not physically demanding, but the job involves irregular sleep patterns, time zone changes, dry cabin air, and long periods of sitting. Jet lag and fatigue management are constant challenges, especially for international pilots. The FAA mandates retirement at age 65.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional compensation at major airlines ($200,000-$450,000+ as captain)
• Extensive time off (14-19 days per month when not flying)
• Travel benefits (free or discounted flights worldwide for employees and family)
• Intellectually stimulating work that combines technical skill with decision-making
• Strong job security during the current pilot shortage
• Mandatory retirement pension at many carriers

Cons:

• Extremely high training cost ($80,000-$200,000 to reach ATP minimums)
• Years of low pay while time-building and at regional airlines
• Time away from home, especially in the first 5-10 years
• Irregular schedule with nights, weekends, and holidays
• Seniority-based system means your career progress depends on when you were hired, not just how good you are
• FAA medical requirements – a disqualifying medical condition can end your career
• Mandatory retirement at age 65

Career Advancement

The airline pilot career path is uniquely structured around seniority:

1. Flight Instructor (Year 1-2): $30,000-$50,000. Building flight hours toward ATP minimums. Teaching private, instrument, and commercial students.
2. Regional Airline First Officer (Year 2-5): $50,000-$100,000. Flying Embraer E175s, CRJ-700/900s on short-haul routes. Building turbine PIC time.
3. Regional Airline Captain (Year 4-7): $100,000-$150,000. Upgrade to captain at a regional carrier. Accumulating PIC turbine time for major airline applications.
4. Major Airline First Officer (Year 5-10): $120,000-$280,000. Flying Boeing or Airbus equipment at Delta, United, American, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, etc.
5. Major Airline Captain (Year 10-20): $300,000-$450,000+. Upgrade to captain based on seniority. Widebody international captains at the top of the pay scale earn the highest compensation.

Alternative Pilot Careers

• Cargo pilot (FedEx, UPS, Atlas Air): Similar pay to passenger airlines, all-freight operations, often better schedules
• Corporate/Business aviation: $80,000-$250,000 depending on aircraft and company
• Charter pilot: $60,000-$150,000, flying on-demand trips
• Agricultural pilot (crop duster): $60,000-$120,000, highly specialized seasonal work
• Helicopter pilot: $60,000-$150,000, EMS, tour, utility, and offshore operations
• Military pilot: Competitive compensation with benefits, serving your country

Related Careers

• Aircraft Mechanic – maintains the aircraft you fly ($71,800 median)
• Truck Driver – transport via ground rather than air ($53,090 median)
• Air Traffic Controller – directs aircraft movements ($137,380 median)

Browse all Skilled Trades & Technical Careers.

Professional Associations

• Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) – alpa.org – The largest airline pilot union, representing pilots at most major and regional U.S. airlines
• Allied Pilots Association (APA) – alliedpilots.org – Union representing American Airlines pilots
• Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) – swapa.org – Union representing Southwest Airlines pilots
• Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) – aopa.org – General aviation advocacy, training resources, and legal services
• National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) – nbaa.org – Business aviation industry association
• Women in Aviation International (WAI) – wai.org – Promotes and supports women in all aviation career fields

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become an airline pilot?

From zero flight hours to airline first officer: typically 3-5 years. This includes flight training (12-24 months for all certificates), time-building as a flight instructor or commercial pilot (12-24 months), and new-hire training at a regional airline (2-3 months). The military path takes 10+ years including service commitment.

How much does it cost to become a pilot?

Total training costs to reach ATP minimums range from $80,000-$200,000 depending on the training path. Part 61 flight schools tend to be less expensive ($80,000-$120,000). University aviation programs are the most expensive ($100,000-$200,000) but include a bachelor’s degree. Some regional airlines offer tuition reimbursement programs or cadet pathways that offset costs.

Do you need a college degree to be a pilot?

The FAA does not require a college degree for any pilot certificate, including the ATP. However, most major airlines prefer or require a 4-year degree (any field). Regional airlines generally do not require a degree. A bachelor’s in aviation from an approved university also reduces the ATP hour requirement from 1,500 to 1,000 hours.

What is the 1,500-hour rule?

Under FAA regulations, pilots must accumulate at least 1,500 total flight hours to qualify for an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, which is required to serve as a pilot at a Part 121 airline. Exceptions include graduates of approved aviation university programs (1,000 hours) and former military pilots (750 hours). Most pilots build these hours by flight instructing.

How much do first-year airline pilots make?

First-year pay varies dramatically. Regional airline first officers start at $50,000-$75,000. Major airline first officers start at $120,000-$180,000. These figures have increased significantly since 2022 due to the pilot shortage.

Is the pilot shortage real?

Yes. Mandatory retirements (FAA requires retirement at 65), fleet growth, and training pipeline constraints have created a genuine shortage. Boeing projects the global aviation industry will need approximately 649,000 new pilots between 2023 and 2042. This shortage is pushing up compensation at all levels and creating faster career advancement than in previous decades.

What disqualifies you from being a pilot?

Conditions that can disqualify you from obtaining an FAA medical certificate include: uncontrolled epilepsy or seizure disorder, certain severe psychiatric conditions, substance dependence history (may be possible with special issuance), certain cardiac conditions, and severe uncorrectable vision deficiency. Many conditions that were once disqualifying can now receive special issuance approval through the FAA’s HIMS program or other pathways.

Is being a pilot worth the cost?

The financial return is strong for those who complete the career path. While training costs are high ($80,000-$200,000), a 30-year career at a major airline can yield cumulative earnings of $7-$12 million or more. The break-even point typically comes within 5-8 years of starting airline employment. The non-financial rewards – travel, schedule flexibility at seniority, and the daily experience of flight – are significant for those who are passionate about aviation.

Ready to start your path to the flight deck? Compare flight training programs near you.

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