There are many ways to make a living as a pilot. The list below is by no means comprehensive, but will give you an idea of the variety of ways to fly and earn an income.
Almost all paid pilot positions will require a Commercial Pilot certificate, Second Class Medical certificate, and specialized training or additional ratings depending on the job. Some pilot careers will require an Airline Transport Rating (ATP) and a First Class Medical certificate.
|
Career Title |
Salary Range |
Typical Education Requirements |
|
Agricultural Pilot |
$12 - $38 / hr |
College preferred; most require 4 year degree, special training, and pilots license, and aviation medical certificate |
|
Air Taxi Pilot |
$12 - $38 / hr |
Four year college degree preferred, plus pilots license, and aviation medical certificate |
|
Air Traffic Reporting Pilot |
$12 - $38 / hr |
Four year college degree preferred plus pilots license, and aviation medical certificate |
|
Astronaut |
$12 - $38 / hr |
Engineering, physical science, physics, or similar advanced degree, and aviation medical certificate |
|
Corporate Pilot |
$18 - $70 / hr |
College preferred; most require 4 year degree, pilots license, and aviation medical certificate |
|
Flight Instructor |
$12 - $38 / hr |
Two year college degree preferred, pilots license, and aviation medical certificate |
|
Helicopter Pilot |
$12 - $70 / hr |
College preferred; most require 4 year degree, pilots license, and aviation medical certificate |
|
Major / National Airline Pilot |
$18 - $90 / hr |
College preferred; most require 4 year degree, pilots license, and aviation medical certificate |
|
Military Pilot |
$16 - $38 / hr |
Four year college degree required, and aviation medical certificate |
|
Regional Airline Pilot |
$12 - $38 / hr |
Four year college degree preferred, plus pilots license and aviation medical certificate |
|
Test Pilot |
$16 - $75 / hr |
Four year college degree preferred, plus pilots license and aviation medical certificate |
