Since beginning our Aviation Career Highlight series, we’ve covered careers ranging from flight attendant to air traffic control specialist. Until now, we haven’t highlighted one of the most well-known and sought-after aviation careers--that of a pilot!
Pilots operate aircraft for airlines, private corporations, law enforcement agencies, and the military. Although a college degree is not required to become a pilot, it is strongly recommended as it is a requirement for many major airlines and scheduled air carriers. Aspiring pilots can obtain training from an FAA Part 142 flight school or from the military or a college.
Most career paths begin by becoming a student pilot and working your way up to a commercial pilot license. Once a commercial pilot license is obtained, many pilots become flight instructors while others tow banners in high tourist areas. Once you’ve obtained 1000 - 1500 hours of actual pilot flying time, your career options open up tremendously. With these hours, you become eligible for the ATP license, the highest license available to a commercial pilot. Attending an aviation college can almost guarantee a job post-graduation as well as a higher salary.
Speaking of salary, let’s talk about annual figures. According to US News, which ranks a pilot as #12 in best-paying jobs, the average annual salary for a pilot in the US is $130,440 with the best-paid pilots receiving an average of $208,000 per year. However, first-year pilots can expect a much lower salary as a first officer ranging between $30,000 and $50,000. The more senior time you build, the better-paying jobs you’ll qualify for and your salary will grow. Senior pilots working for major air carriers like FedEx, UPS, or a major airline company like Delta can make in excess of $350,000 per year.
If you aspire to work for a major air service company, you must be able to pass the FAA’s Class 1 medical exam. If you can’t pass this exam but can still pass the Class 2 exam, you can become a corporate pilot.
Strong math skills, a good grasp of mechanics, and desirable customer service skills are necessary for becoming a successful pilot. A typical day’s work for a pilot includes preparing the aircraft for flight by ensuring there are no mechanical defects, verifying that scheduled maintenance has been performed and repairs are completed. They also check the route of the flight and weather conditions at the departure, destinations, and alternate airlines along the route to ensure safe departure and landing. Pilots are also responsible for making sure the aircraft is properly balanced with passengers, cargo, baggage, and its fuel load.
The projected job growth rate for the 2020-2030 decade is 13 percent, higher than average. If you’re considering a career as a pilot, there’s no better time than now to get started.
