Occupation Description: Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-winged 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.
Life As a Commercial PilotTeach company regulations and procedures to other pilots.Perform minor aircraft maintenance and repair work, or arrange for major maintenance.Obtain and review data such as load weights, fuel supplies, weather conditions, and flight schedules to determine flight plans and identify needed changes.Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.Rescue and evacuate injured persons.Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.Commercial Pilots state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work:
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.Is There Job Demand for Commercial Pilots?In the United States, there were 40,800 jobs for Commercial Pilot in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 3.7% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,500 new jobs for Commercial Pilot by 2026. There will be an estimated 4,000 positions for Commercial Pilot per year.
The states with the most job growth for Commercial Pilot are Tennessee, Utah, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Minnesota, Massachusetts, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Commercial PilotCommercial Pilots make between $44,660 and $160,480 a year. Commercial Pilots who work in South Carolina, Connecticut, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How do I Become a Commercial Pilot?Are there Commercial Pilots education requirements?
Where Commercial Pilots Are EmployedCommercial Pilots work in various industries.
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