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| Boilerpipe Text | Career development
How to Become a Pilot
Written by
Updated December 11, 2025
What does a pilot do?
Average salary for pilots
How to become a pilot
A pilot is a skilled professional who safely transports people or cargo via air travel. Aviation is a diverse field that could allow you to work in the military, the airline industry or as an independent contractor.
In this article, we'll discuss the pilot profession, provide a how-to guide for becoming a pilot and provide answers to frequently asked questions about the role.
Key takeaways:
Pilots are essential professionals in aviation, flying diverse aircrafts from planes to jets, with duties including safe piloting, pre-flight safety checks and maintaining flight logs.
Pilots earn an average salary of $42,224 per year, with pay ranging between $14,000 and $191,000 annually depending on factors such as company size and aircraft type.
To become a pilot, aspiring individuals can pursue various paths such as flight school, military service or airline cadet programs, each involving obtaining FAA certificates, gaining flight experience and passing required exams and tests.
What does a pilot do?
A pilot is someone who flies an aircraft. Pilots who do so professionally are usually commercial pilots, a credential that requires more experience than being a pilot as a hobby. Pilots might fly planes, jets or other aircraft designed for transportation and tactical purposes. These professionals work in several industries and could play a vital part in transporting people, cargo, private items or commercial products and more.
When most people think about pilots, the person that comes to mind is often a commercial airline pilot who transfers people, their pets and luggage from one destination to another. These pilots are primarily responsible for ensuring safe travel by piloting the plane correctly. However, they also perform pre-flight safety checks, check weather, confirm flight plans and update flight logs among other responsibilities.
Pilots must be good listeners and communicators who take direction from air traffic controllers on the ground and communicate with airline staff and passengers when necessary.
Related:
Pilot Cover Letter Sample
Average salary for pilots
The average salary for a pilot is
$42,224 per year
. Some salaries range from $14,000 to $191,000 per year depending on the size of the company and aircraft. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the salary link. Pilots work in several conditions and should be able to sit for long periods of time and be highly focused and detail-oriented professionals skilled at flying the aircraft of their choice.
How to become a pilot
You can become a pilot in these five steps:
Do your research.
Choose a career path.
Apply for FAA certificates.
Get experience and flight hours.
Pass the written knowledge exam and practical test.
1. Do your research
There are a few different ways to become a pilot, so it helps to be well-researched before you embark on the pilot career path. Research pilot training schools in your area and decide if one of them is a good fit, or if another career path like military experience would be more suitable. Also, research the type of aircraft you'd like to fly and the best path for doing it.
While you are researching, include a discovery flight in the aircraft of your choice. Many flight schools will offer a pre-admissions discovery flight to better prepare students for what to expect so they can make a good decision. If you aren't ready to contact a flight school, you could charter a flight to get a feeling of what it might be like to be a pilot.
Related:
How To Prepare for an Interview
2. Choose a career path
If you've researched types of aircraft and flight training options, it's time to choose a career path. Typical career paths include:
Flight school
There are two types of flight schools, part 141 schools and part 61 schools. Part 141 schools are approved by the FAA to provide fast, rigid and meticulous training. Part 61 schools have more flexibility and are usually smaller, career-focused academies and trade schools.
Military
The military can prepare people to become a pilot. In fact, it's a common path for people seeking to pilot others. To become a pilot on this path, you must have a bachelor's degree and become a commissioned officer in the military. The military offers incentives for officers who get degrees, so by joining the military, you could enter a program to get a bachelor's degree at no cost or low cost.
Airline cadet programs
These programs were created by airlines to fill the pilot shortage. Requirements vary but usually include literacy and communication skills, having a high school diploma or GED, holding a valid passport and medical clearance and being able to legally work in the U.S.
3. Apply for FAA certificates
Once a career path is selected, it's a good time to get started on your Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificates and clearance. Obtaining this is the first step in flying an aircraft. You will have to meet the medical requirements for flying and apply for the FAA medical certificate.
Some of these requirements include having 20/20 vision, with or without corrective measures, the ability to see and interpret certain colors necessary for flying and passage of a drug test.
You should apply for a student pilot certificate early on in your flight training if you plan to fly a powered aircraft by yourself. You don't need it to begin taking flying lessons, but to fly solo as a student pilot you will need to have this license. You can ask your flight instructor about the FAA's application process.
4. Get experience and flight hours
To get your first license as a private pilot, you need to log 40 hours of flight time. This level of flight experience must include 20 hours of flight training with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight. You won't be able to accept any type of income with a private pilot's license, so it's important to keep logging hours if you want to advance along your career path.
5. Pass the written knowledge exam and practical test
You will need to pass written exams and practical tests before you achieve your FAA license. Once you have the experience and knowledge to do so, you can take the next steps to earn your commercial pilot license if you choose to advance. With this credential, you can begin applying for jobs.
Frequently asked questions
What licensure is required to become a pilot?
An FAA pilot's license is the required credential needed to practice a pilot. Achieving your FAA license confirms you've developed the skills necessary to safely operate an aircraft.
How long does it take to become a pilot?
To start flying as a private pilot, it usually takes about three months. This is a common path for people who seek a commercial license. After 1,500 hours of flight time (roughly two additional years) you may qualify for your commercial pilot's license.
Where do pilots work?
Pilots can work in a number of places, and that may depend on the career path you choose. For one, an aircraft pilot can work for the government, in the armed forces, and may be called upon to operate a plane or helicopter through emergency situations or crisis. Commercial work environments include working as a pilot for an airline or a charter pilot. Pilots may also work for news and media productions or perform emergency flight services like hospital air lifts.
What does it mean to be a commercial pilot?
A commercial pilot is someone who has the credential to start working as a pilot who flies people for money. A private pilot's license is all that is required to fly aircraft for leisure. However, if you want to earn money as a pilot, you should be prepared to get your commercial license.
The information on this site is provided as a courtesy and for informational purposes only. Indeed is not a career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers.
Airline pilots |
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1. [Career development](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development)
2. How to Become a Pilot
# How to Become a Pilot
Written by
Indeed Editorial Team
Updated December 11, 2025
### On this page
- [What does a pilot do?](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-pilot#toc-what-does-a-pilot-do)
- [Average salary for pilots](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-pilot#toc-average-salary-for-pilots)
- [How to become a pilot](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-pilot#toc-how-to-become-a-pilot)
### On this page
- [What does a pilot do?](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-pilot#toc-what-does-a-pilot-do)
- [Average salary for pilots](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-pilot#toc-average-salary-for-pilots)
- [How to become a pilot](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-pilot#toc-how-to-become-a-pilot)
A pilot is a skilled professional who safely transports people or cargo via air travel. Aviation is a diverse field that could allow you to work in the military, the airline industry or as an independent contractor.In this article, we'll discuss the pilot profession, provide a how-to guide for becoming a pilot and provide answers to frequently asked questions about the role.Key takeaways:
- Pilots are essential professionals in aviation, flying diverse aircrafts from planes to jets, with duties including safe piloting, pre-flight safety checks and maintaining flight logs.
- Pilots earn an average salary of \$42,224 per year, with pay ranging between \$14,000 and \$191,000 annually depending on factors such as company size and aircraft type.
- To become a pilot, aspiring individuals can pursue various paths such as flight school, military service or airline cadet programs, each involving obtaining FAA certificates, gaining flight experience and passing required exams and tests.
\
## Your personal AI career coach is on the app
Find and apply to jobs 7x faster with Career Scout, only available on the app
[Learn more](https://www.indeed.com/careerscout?from=jobseeker_marketing&sid=career_scout_us_career_guide_desktop_promo)Source: Indeed Data, US, based on median, compared to job seekers who use mobile app
## What does a pilot do?
A pilot is someone who flies an aircraft. Pilots who do so professionally are usually commercial pilots, a credential that requires more experience than being a pilot as a hobby. Pilots might fly planes, jets or other aircraft designed for transportation and tactical purposes. These professionals work in several industries and could play a vital part in transporting people, cargo, private items or commercial products and more.When most people think about pilots, the person that comes to mind is often a commercial airline pilot who transfers people, their pets and luggage from one destination to another. These pilots are primarily responsible for ensuring safe travel by piloting the plane correctly. However, they also perform pre-flight safety checks, check weather, confirm flight plans and update flight logs among other responsibilities.Pilots must be good listeners and communicators who take direction from air traffic controllers on the ground and communicate with airline staff and passengers when necessary.
Related:
[Pilot Cover Letter Sample](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/cover-letter-samples/pilot)
Related jobs on Indeed
[Airline pilots jobs](https://www.indeed.com/jobs?cgtk=e7849f6f-543b-4013-8d8d-a726449a14a5&from=careerguidepromo-US&q=Airline%20pilots)
[Pilot jobs](https://www.indeed.com/jobs?cgtk=e7849f6f-543b-4013-8d8d-a726449a14a5&from=careerguidepromo-US&q=Pilot)
[Part-time jobs](https://www.indeed.com/jobs?cgtk=e7849f6f-543b-4013-8d8d-a726449a14a5&from=careerguidepromo-US&q=part%20time)
[Full-time jobs](https://www.indeed.com/jobs?cgtk=e7849f6f-543b-4013-8d8d-a726449a14a5&from=careerguidepromo-US&q=full%20time)
[View more jobs on Indeed](https://www.indeed.com/?cgtk=e7849f6f-543b-4013-8d8d-a726449a14a5&from=careerguidepromo-US "View more jobs on Indeed")
## Average salary for pilots
The average salary for a pilot is
[\$42,224 per year](https://www.indeed.com/salaries/pilot-Salaries)
. Some salaries range from \$14,000 to \$191,000 per year depending on the size of the company and aircraft. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the salary link. Pilots work in several conditions and should be able to sit for long periods of time and be highly focused and detail-oriented professionals skilled at flying the aircraft of their choice.
## How to become a pilot
You can become a pilot in these five steps:
1. Do your research.
2. Choose a career path.
3. Apply for FAA certificates.
4. Get experience and flight hours.
5. Pass the written knowledge exam and practical test.
### 1\. Do your research
There are a few different ways to become a pilot, so it helps to be well-researched before you embark on the pilot career path. Research pilot training schools in your area and decide if one of them is a good fit, or if another career path like military experience would be more suitable. Also, research the type of aircraft you'd like to fly and the best path for doing it.While you are researching, include a discovery flight in the aircraft of your choice. Many flight schools will offer a pre-admissions discovery flight to better prepare students for what to expect so they can make a good decision. If you aren't ready to contact a flight school, you could charter a flight to get a feeling of what it might be like to be a pilot.
Related:
[How To Prepare for an Interview](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-prepare-for-an-interview)
### 2\. Choose a career path
If you've researched types of aircraft and flight training options, it's time to choose a career path. Typical career paths include:
#### Flight school
There are two types of flight schools, part 141 schools and part 61 schools. Part 141 schools are approved by the FAA to provide fast, rigid and meticulous training. Part 61 schools have more flexibility and are usually smaller, career-focused academies and trade schools.
#### Military
The military can prepare people to become a pilot. In fact, it's a common path for people seeking to pilot others. To become a pilot on this path, you must have a bachelor's degree and become a commissioned officer in the military. The military offers incentives for officers who get degrees, so by joining the military, you could enter a program to get a bachelor's degree at no cost or low cost.
#### Airline cadet programs
These programs were created by airlines to fill the pilot shortage. Requirements vary but usually include literacy and communication skills, having a high school diploma or GED, holding a valid passport and medical clearance and being able to legally work in the U.S.
### 3\. Apply for FAA certificates
Once a career path is selected, it's a good time to get started on your Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificates and clearance. Obtaining this is the first step in flying an aircraft. You will have to meet the medical requirements for flying and apply for the FAA medical certificate. Some of these requirements include having 20/20 vision, with or without corrective measures, the ability to see and interpret certain colors necessary for flying and passage of a drug test.You should apply for a student pilot certificate early on in your flight training if you plan to fly a powered aircraft by yourself. You don't need it to begin taking flying lessons, but to fly solo as a student pilot you will need to have this license. You can ask your flight instructor about the FAA's application process.
### 4\. Get experience and flight hours
To get your first license as a private pilot, you need to log 40 hours of flight time. This level of flight experience must include 20 hours of flight training with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight. You won't be able to accept any type of income with a private pilot's license, so it's important to keep logging hours if you want to advance along your career path.
### 5\. Pass the written knowledge exam and practical test
You will need to pass written exams and practical tests before you achieve your FAA license. Once you have the experience and knowledge to do so, you can take the next steps to earn your commercial pilot license if you choose to advance. With this credential, you can begin applying for jobs.
## Frequently asked questions
What licensure is required to become a pilot?
An FAA pilot's license is the required credential needed to practice a pilot. Achieving your FAA license confirms you've developed the skills necessary to safely operate an aircraft.
How long does it take to become a pilot?
To start flying as a private pilot, it usually takes about three months. This is a common path for people who seek a commercial license. After 1,500 hours of flight time (roughly two additional years) you may qualify for your commercial pilot's license.
Where do pilots work?
Pilots can work in a number of places, and that may depend on the career path you choose. For one, an aircraft pilot can work for the government, in the armed forces, and may be called upon to operate a plane or helicopter through emergency situations or crisis. Commercial work environments include working as a pilot for an airline or a charter pilot. Pilots may also work for news and media productions or perform emergency flight services like hospital air lifts.
What does it mean to be a commercial pilot?
A commercial pilot is someone who has the credential to start working as a pilot who flies people for money. A private pilot's license is all that is required to fly aircraft for leisure. However, if you want to earn money as a pilot, you should be prepared to get your commercial license.
\
The information on this site is provided as a courtesy and for informational purposes only. Indeed is not a career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers.
\
Airline pilots
Share:
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| Readable Markdown | 1. [Career development](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development)
2. How to Become a Pilot
Written by
Updated December 11, 2025
- [What does a pilot do?](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-pilot#toc-what-does-a-pilot-do)
- [Average salary for pilots](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-pilot#toc-average-salary-for-pilots)
- [How to become a pilot](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-pilot#toc-how-to-become-a-pilot)
A pilot is a skilled professional who safely transports people or cargo via air travel. Aviation is a diverse field that could allow you to work in the military, the airline industry or as an independent contractor.In this article, we'll discuss the pilot profession, provide a how-to guide for becoming a pilot and provide answers to frequently asked questions about the role.Key takeaways:
- Pilots are essential professionals in aviation, flying diverse aircrafts from planes to jets, with duties including safe piloting, pre-flight safety checks and maintaining flight logs.
- Pilots earn an average salary of \$42,224 per year, with pay ranging between \$14,000 and \$191,000 annually depending on factors such as company size and aircraft type.
- To become a pilot, aspiring individuals can pursue various paths such as flight school, military service or airline cadet programs, each involving obtaining FAA certificates, gaining flight experience and passing required exams and tests.
\
## What does a pilot do?
A pilot is someone who flies an aircraft. Pilots who do so professionally are usually commercial pilots, a credential that requires more experience than being a pilot as a hobby. Pilots might fly planes, jets or other aircraft designed for transportation and tactical purposes. These professionals work in several industries and could play a vital part in transporting people, cargo, private items or commercial products and more.When most people think about pilots, the person that comes to mind is often a commercial airline pilot who transfers people, their pets and luggage from one destination to another. These pilots are primarily responsible for ensuring safe travel by piloting the plane correctly. However, they also perform pre-flight safety checks, check weather, confirm flight plans and update flight logs among other responsibilities.Pilots must be good listeners and communicators who take direction from air traffic controllers on the ground and communicate with airline staff and passengers when necessary.Related: [Pilot Cover Letter Sample](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/cover-letter-samples/pilot)
## Average salary for pilots
The average salary for a pilot is [\$42,224 per year](https://www.indeed.com/salaries/pilot-Salaries). Some salaries range from \$14,000 to \$191,000 per year depending on the size of the company and aircraft. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the salary link. Pilots work in several conditions and should be able to sit for long periods of time and be highly focused and detail-oriented professionals skilled at flying the aircraft of their choice.
## How to become a pilot
You can become a pilot in these five steps:
1. Do your research.
2. Choose a career path.
3. Apply for FAA certificates.
4. Get experience and flight hours.
5. Pass the written knowledge exam and practical test.
### 1\. Do your research
There are a few different ways to become a pilot, so it helps to be well-researched before you embark on the pilot career path. Research pilot training schools in your area and decide if one of them is a good fit, or if another career path like military experience would be more suitable. Also, research the type of aircraft you'd like to fly and the best path for doing it.While you are researching, include a discovery flight in the aircraft of your choice. Many flight schools will offer a pre-admissions discovery flight to better prepare students for what to expect so they can make a good decision. If you aren't ready to contact a flight school, you could charter a flight to get a feeling of what it might be like to be a pilot.Related: [How To Prepare for an Interview](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-prepare-for-an-interview)
### 2\. Choose a career path
If you've researched types of aircraft and flight training options, it's time to choose a career path. Typical career paths include:
#### Flight school
There are two types of flight schools, part 141 schools and part 61 schools. Part 141 schools are approved by the FAA to provide fast, rigid and meticulous training. Part 61 schools have more flexibility and are usually smaller, career-focused academies and trade schools.
#### Military
The military can prepare people to become a pilot. In fact, it's a common path for people seeking to pilot others. To become a pilot on this path, you must have a bachelor's degree and become a commissioned officer in the military. The military offers incentives for officers who get degrees, so by joining the military, you could enter a program to get a bachelor's degree at no cost or low cost.
#### Airline cadet programs
These programs were created by airlines to fill the pilot shortage. Requirements vary but usually include literacy and communication skills, having a high school diploma or GED, holding a valid passport and medical clearance and being able to legally work in the U.S.
### 3\. Apply for FAA certificates
Once a career path is selected, it's a good time to get started on your Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificates and clearance. Obtaining this is the first step in flying an aircraft. You will have to meet the medical requirements for flying and apply for the FAA medical certificate. Some of these requirements include having 20/20 vision, with or without corrective measures, the ability to see and interpret certain colors necessary for flying and passage of a drug test.You should apply for a student pilot certificate early on in your flight training if you plan to fly a powered aircraft by yourself. You don't need it to begin taking flying lessons, but to fly solo as a student pilot you will need to have this license. You can ask your flight instructor about the FAA's application process.
### 4\. Get experience and flight hours
To get your first license as a private pilot, you need to log 40 hours of flight time. This level of flight experience must include 20 hours of flight training with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight. You won't be able to accept any type of income with a private pilot's license, so it's important to keep logging hours if you want to advance along your career path.
### 5\. Pass the written knowledge exam and practical test
You will need to pass written exams and practical tests before you achieve your FAA license. Once you have the experience and knowledge to do so, you can take the next steps to earn your commercial pilot license if you choose to advance. With this credential, you can begin applying for jobs.
Frequently asked questions
What licensure is required to become a pilot?
An FAA pilot's license is the required credential needed to practice a pilot. Achieving your FAA license confirms you've developed the skills necessary to safely operate an aircraft.
How long does it take to become a pilot?
To start flying as a private pilot, it usually takes about three months. This is a common path for people who seek a commercial license. After 1,500 hours of flight time (roughly two additional years) you may qualify for your commercial pilot's license.
Where do pilots work?
Pilots can work in a number of places, and that may depend on the career path you choose. For one, an aircraft pilot can work for the government, in the armed forces, and may be called upon to operate a plane or helicopter through emergency situations or crisis. Commercial work environments include working as a pilot for an airline or a charter pilot. Pilots may also work for news and media productions or perform emergency flight services like hospital air lifts.
What does it mean to be a commercial pilot?
A commercial pilot is someone who has the credential to start working as a pilot who flies people for money. A private pilot's license is all that is required to fly aircraft for leisure. However, if you want to earn money as a pilot, you should be prepared to get your commercial license.
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