Career Overview
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.
Also Known As
- Airline Captain
- Captain
- First Officer (FO)
- Pilot
Alternate Job Titles
- Air Force Pilot
- Airbus Captain
- Aircraft Captain
- Aircraft Pilot
- Airline Captain
- Airline Pilot
- Airline Pilot Flight Instructor
- Airline Transport Pilot
- Airplane Pilot
- Army Helicopter Pilot
- Captain
- Check Airman
- Co-Pilot
- Commercial Airline Pilot
- Copilot
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
- Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
- Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
- Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
- Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
- Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Transportation
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- Geography
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Time Management
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Response Orientation
- Problem Sensitivity
- Control Precision
- Far Vision
- Near Vision
- Reaction Time
- Perceptual Speed
- Depth Perception
- Deductive Reasoning
- Rate Control
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Self-Control
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Stress Tolerance
- Dependability
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Word
- R
Tools & Equipment
- Aileron trim switches
- Airborne collision avoidance systems ACAS
- Aircraft data loaders
- Anti-skid control systems
- Attitude heading reference systems AHRS
- Autobrakes
- Automatic direction finder ADF radio systems
- Automatic landing systems
- Autopilot systems
- Brake management systems
- Brake pedals
- Cockpit displays of traffic information CDTI
- Continuous flow emergency oxygen systems
- Control display units CDU
- Control wheels
Work Environment
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Spend Time Sitting
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $98,560 |
| Median | $226,600 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | >$239,200 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 99,300
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Commercial Pilots
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $122,670
Air Traffic Controllers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $144,580
Airfield Operations Specialists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $56,750
Aircraft Service Attendants
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $41,540
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $85,540
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.