Job Opportunities as a Pilot

Shane Jordan
July 13, 2024
4
 min read
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 comments

If you've recently earned your pilot's license or are looking to pursue a career in aviation, you might be wondering about the different career options available to you. There are many different career paths that pilots can take, each requiring different levels of certification, education, and training. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most popular career options for pilots of all license levels and the potential salary range for each career option.

Commercial Pilot

A commercial pilot is authorized to fly commercial aircraft for compensation or hire. To become a commercial pilot, you must hold a commercial pilot's license and meet certain experience requirements. The FAA requires a minimum of 250 hours of flight time to earn a commercial pilot's license, although many airlines and companies require significantly more.

The salary range for commercial pilots can vary significantly depending on the company, the type of aircraft flown, and the pilot's experience level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for commercial pilots was $93,300 as of May 2020.

Airline Pilot

An airline pilot is responsible for flying large commercial aircraft for major airlines. To become an airline pilot, you must hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, which is the highest level of certification a pilot can obtain. You must also meet certain experience requirements, including a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time.

The salary range for airline pilots can vary significantly depending on the airline and the pilot's experience level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $160,970 as of May 2020.

Corporate Pilot

A corporate pilot is responsible for flying private jets and other aircraft for corporate clients. To become a corporate pilot, you must hold a commercial pilot's license and meet certain experience requirements. You must also have excellent communication and customer service skills, as you will be working closely with clients.

The salary range for corporate pilots can vary significantly depending on the company and the pilot's experience level. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a corporate pilot in the United States is $104,000.

Charter Pilot

A charter pilot is responsible for flying private jets and other aircraft for charter companies. To become a charter pilot, you must hold a commercial pilot's license and meet certain experience requirements. You must also have excellent communication and customer service skills, as you will be working closely with clients.

The salary range for charter pilots can vary significantly depending on the company and the pilot's experience level. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a charter pilot in the United States is $94,000.

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is responsible for teaching and certifying other pilots. To become a CFI, you must hold a commercial pilot's license and meet certain experience requirements. You must also complete additional training and pass a written exam.

The salary range for CFIs can vary significantly depending on the company and the pilot's experience level. According to PayScale, the average annual salary for a CFI in the United States is $70,000.

Agricultural Pilot

An agricultural pilot is responsible for applying pesticides and fertilizers to crops from the air. To become an agricultural pilot, you must hold a commercial pilot's license and meet certain experience requirements. You must also complete additional training and obtain a special certification from the FAA.

The salary range for agricultural pilots can vary significantly depending on the company and the pilot's experience level. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for an agricultural pilot in the United States is $84,000.

Helicopter Pilot

A helicopter pilot is responsible for flying helicopters for a variety of purposes, including emergency medical services, law enforcement, and

tourism. To become a helicopter pilot, you must hold a commercial pilot's license with a rotorcraft rating and meet certain experience requirements. You must also complete additional training and obtain a special certification from the FAA.

The salary range for helicopter pilots can vary significantly depending on the company and the pilot's experience level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for helicopter pilots was $87,330 as of May 2020.

Military Pilot

A military pilot is responsible for flying military aircraft for the armed forces. To become a military pilot, you must meet certain education, physical, and mental requirements, and complete rigorous training programs. You must also hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license and meet certain experience requirements.

The salary range for military pilots can vary significantly depending on the branch of service and the pilot's experience level. According to Indeed, the average annual salary for a military pilot in the United States is $98,000.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many different career options available to pilots of all license levels. From commercial pilots to Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) and military pilots, each career path requires different levels of certification, education, and training. Additionally, each career path offers a different salary range, depending on the company and the pilot's experience level.

If you're interested in pursuing a career in aviation, it's important to research your options and choose a career path that aligns with your goals and interests. Whether you're looking to become an airline pilot or a drone pilot, there are many resources available to help you achieve your career aspirations.

To stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in the aviation industry, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter on PilotTrainingReviews.com. Our newsletter provides valuable insights and tips on how to become a successful pilot and navigate the aviation industry.

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Shane Jordan
Shane is currently seeking his private pilot certificate, starting from zero hours with a first class medical clearance. He'll be starting flight lessons at KEKY with the 51st Aero Squadron flight club and ground school through Gold Seal.

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