Commercial pilot
Also known as: airline pilot, captain, pilot of commercial aircraft, pilot of commercial aeroplanes
About this occupation
Commercial pilots navigate flight of fixed-wing and multi-engine aircrafts for the transport of passengers and cargo.
A specialisation of aircraft pilot.
Essential skills and knowledge
- civil aviation regulations
- operate cockpit control panels
- follow ethical code of conduct in transport services
- implement airside safety procedures
- apply company policies
- geographic areas
- ensure ongoing compliance with regulations
- identify airport safety hazards
- work in an aviation team
- read maps
- aircraft flight control systems
- pre-flight procedures for IFR flights
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Commercial Pilots (O*NET 53-2012.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
- Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.
- Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
- Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
- Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
- Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
- Typical education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Realistic, Enterprising
Top skills: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Monitoring, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Judgment and Decision Making
US median pay: US$123,220 a year (2025), 47,630 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyVery important (3.6)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.4)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.3)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.2)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
- Air Traffic Controllers
- Airfield Operations Specialists
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Aviation Inspectors
- Locomotive Engineers
- Avionics Technicians
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
- Ship Engineers
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.