Making a career of it
Both Private and Commercial licenses are required for all career paths listed in the table below. Additional license and/or ratings are required as indicated (x).
| Career path | Airline
transport | Instrument
rating | Multi-engine
rating |
| Aerial survey | | x | |
| Air cargo (non-airline) | | x | x |
| Agricultural | | x | |
Airline (passenger
and air cargo) | x | x | x |
| Banner towing | | x | |
| Charter | | | x |
| Corporate | | x | x |
| Aircraft sales | | x | |
| Flight instructor | | x | |
| Glider towing | | | |
| Emergency medical | | x | x |
Government
(federal, non-military) | | x | x |
| Government (state) | | x | x |
| Law enforcement | | x | |
| Parachute dropper | | | |
| Pilot examiner | | x | x |
Training cost
Anyone who seeks to become a career
fixed-wing pilot can expect to spend between $60,000-$85,000. Those who seek to become a career
rotary-wing pilot can expect to spend between $85,000-$120,000. The estimated expenses are based upon a person going from Private Pilot through Certified Flight Instructor Instruments.
Career pilot earnings
Like all career pathways, there are many levels of compensation based on a pilot’s experience, type of aircraft flown, and aviation industry segment. The following estimated annual earnings are provided for general information.
| Career path | Annual salary range |
| Agricultural pilot | $50,000 - $100,000 |
| Airline pilot | $50,000 - $300,000 |
| Air freight pilot | $50,000 - $300,000 |
| Certified flight instructor | $40,000 - $80,000 |
| Charter pilot | $40,000 - $150,000 |
| Corporate pilot | $40,000 - $200,000 |
| Emergency medical pilot | $60,000 - $100,000 |
| Military pilot | $60,000 - $100,000 |
Do you need a college degree to fly for an airline?
Years ago, airline pilot applicants were required to have a college degree. Today, the regional airlines hire pilots to become First Officers (co-pilots) without a college degree. None-the-less, it is highly recommended that pilots who seek any career which requires flying an aircraft secure some type of college degree.
The reason is simple. If at some point in time, a pilot cannot qualify for the FAA Part 67 Medical Certificate, they are no longer permitted to operate an aircraft for compensation. Having a fallback career is important if and when this would happen. The degree can be in any variety of categories. This will help the pilot continue to earn a living if they can no longer fly for a career.
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