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TransportationTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Commercial Pilot

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.

Annual openings

239

Median wage

$139,680

Typical education

High school (GED) plus completion of flight school.

Growth 2026–2032

+11%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED) plus completion of flight school.

Credential requirement

A Commercial Pilot Certificate is required.

Work experience

This is the most entry-level role as a pilot, but at least 250 hours flying airplanes is required and many airlines expect additional flying hours beyond the minimum

Many pilots become pilots in the military to obtain the credentials and flight hours needed to become a civilian pilot.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
  2. Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.
  3. Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
  4. Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
  5. Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
  6. Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
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