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

Airline Captain, First Officer or Pilot

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.

Annual openings

963

Median wage

$307,490

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

Significant experience piloting an airplane is required (at least 1500 hours, though some employers require much more).

Many pilots become pilots in the military to obtain the credentials and flight hours needed to become a civilian pilot.
There are additional requirements for being a pilot you should review. For instance you will need to have an FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate and your vision must be corrected to 20/20.

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.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Transportation
  • Aviation

Automation exposure

Low exposure

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

A typical day

  1. Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
  2. Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
  3. Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
  4. Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
  5. Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
  6. Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
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