Transportation & Logistics
Commercial Pilots
Also called: Captain, Charter Pilot, Check Airman, Commercial Helicopter Pilot
US median pay
$123,220
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+5.2%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
5,200
50,400 employed
Typical entry education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
What they do day to day
- Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
- Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.
- Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
- Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
- Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
- Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
- Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
- Plan flights according to government and company regulations, using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments.
- Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight according to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operation and Control4.8/5
- Operations Monitoring4.4/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.9/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.6/5
- Coordination3.2/5
- Troubleshooting3.1/5
- Systems Analysis3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Transportation4.0/5
- Geography3.6/5
- Public Safety and Security3.6/5
- Mechanical3.4/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Postsecondary nondegree award.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Post-secondary certificate36%
- High school diploma29%
- Some college17%
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.