Skip to content

Commercial Pilots

Transportation and Material Moving (53-2012)
Bright Outlook

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.

At a Glance

Commercial Pilots earns a median of $122,670/yr with +5.1% projected growth. Typical entry: Postsecondary nondegree award. Top skills: Attention to Detail, Dependability, Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment.

Median Annual Wage

$122,670/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+5.1%

Annual Openings

7

Typical Education

Postsecondary nondegree award

Skills & Requirements

Skills (11)

Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

4.8
Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

4.4
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

4.1
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

4.0
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.

3.9
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.9
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.8
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

3.8
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.6
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

3.6
Coordination

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

3.3

Knowledge (7)

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

4.2
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

4.0
Transportation

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

4.0
Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

3.6
Geography

Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

3.6
Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

3.4
Law and Government

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

3.3

Abilities (26)

Perceptual Speed

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

4.1
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

4.1
Control Precision

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

4.1
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

4.1
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

4.0
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4.0
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

4.0
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

4.0
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

4.0
Selective Attention

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

4.0
Response Orientation

The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

4.0
Reaction Time

The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

4.0
Far Vision

The ability to see details at a distance.

4.0
Depth Perception

The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

4.0
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

3.9
Spatial Orientation

The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

3.9
Multilimb Coordination

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

3.9
Rate Control

The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

3.9
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.8
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.8
Time Sharing

The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

3.6
Flexibility of Closure

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

3.5
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.4
Manual Dexterity

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

3.4
Arm-Hand Steadiness

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

3.3
Visualization

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

3.3

Technology (2)

Adobe Creative Cloud software

Category: Graphics or photo imaging software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

Work Activities (30)

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

4.9
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

4.9
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.8
Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

4.8
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

4.7
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.7
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.7
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

4.6
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

4.5
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.5
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

4.4
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.4
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.4
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

4.4
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

4.2
Developing Objectives and Strategies

Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

4.2
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

4.2
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

4.1
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.1
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

4.0
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

4.0
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.9
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.8
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

3.8
Developing and Building Teams

Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

3.7
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.7
Performing General Physical Activities

Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

3.5
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

3.5
Monitoring and Controlling Resources

Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

3.5
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

3.5

Work Styles (4)

Attention to Detail

A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

5.0
Dependability

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

5.0
Integrity

A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

4.3
Cautiousness

A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

3.6

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to build these skills?

Sign up to find courses that teach these skills, track your progress, and build a skills passport aligned to Commercial Pilots.

Get Started Free