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Commercial Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kombo

Commercial Airline Pilot

Stamford, CT · On-site

As a Commercial Airline Pilot, you will be responsible for safely operating aircraft, ensuring passenger safety, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and operational excellence.

Kombo

Commercial Airline Pilot

Stamford, CT · On-site

As a Commercial Airline Pilot, you will be responsible for safely operating aircraft, ensuring passenger safety, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and operational excellence.

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Tacoma, WA

Be at least 21 years of age Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate Hold a current FAA First Class ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Detroit, MI · On-site

Be at least 21 years of age Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate Hold a current FAA First Class ...

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Commercial Pilot information

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$11

$22

$34

How much do commercial pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for commercial pilot in the United States is $22.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a commercial pilot?

Commercial pilots are licensed professionals who are authorized to operate aircraft for compensation or hire. They typically fly passenger airlines, cargo planes, charter flights, or perform aerial tasks such as crop dusting, aerial photography, and rescue operations. Unlike private pilots, commercial pilots must meet higher training standards, pass rigorous exams, and hold a commercial pilot license issued by aviation authorities. Their responsibilities include ensuring passenger safety, conducting pre-flight checks, navigating flights, and managing emergency situations. Commercial pilots often work for airlines, corporations, or specialized aviation companies.

What does a commercial pilot do?

The duties of a commercial pilot involve flying an airplane or helicopter for commercial purposes. Your responsibilities in this career may involve operating aircraft flights that carry passengers or cargo. As a commercial pilot, you can work for a commercial airline, a charter service, or another type of company that offers commercial airplane services. You are responsible for ensuring the plane is safe, fueled, and supplied before takeoff. You must also submit a flight plan and ensure you have the proper clearance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a commercial pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Commercial Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license, strong flight training, and in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations and navigation. Familiarity with advanced avionics systems, flight management software, and simulator training is essential. Excellent decision-making, communication, and situational awareness set outstanding pilots apart. These competencies ensure passenger safety, regulatory compliance, and effective management of challenging flight conditions.

What are some common challenges commercial pilots face during irregular schedules and how can they manage them?

Commercial pilots often deal with irregular schedules, including overnight flights and frequent time zone changes, which can disrupt sleep patterns and personal routines. Managing fatigue, staying alert, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are essential for success in this role. Pilots use strategies like adhering to regulated rest periods, practicing good sleep hygiene, and leveraging support from their crewmates to mitigate these challenges. Airlines also provide resources and training to help pilots adapt to demanding schedules and ensure safety and well-being.

What is the difference between Commercial Pilot vs Private Pilot?

AspectCommercial PilotPrivate Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot CertificatePrivate Pilot Certificate
Work EnvironmentPaid flights, charter services, aerial workPersonal flying, recreational use
Employer & IndustryAirlines, charter companies, aerial servicesIndividuals, hobbyists, personal travel
Flight Hours Required250 hours minimum40 hours minimum

The main difference between a Commercial Pilot and a Private Pilot lies in their certifications, work environment, and flight hours. Commercial Pilots are licensed to be paid for flying and often work in professional settings like charter services or aerial work. Private Pilots fly primarily for personal or recreational purposes and cannot be paid for their flights. The certification requirements also differ, with Commercial Pilots needing more flight hours and advanced training.

How much money do commercial pilots make?

Commercial pilots typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000, but this can vary based on experience, airline, and flight hours. Pilots with more seniority or specialized certifications can earn significantly higher wages, often exceeding $200,000 annually in some cases.

Is there a demand for commercial pilots?

The demand for commercial pilots remains strong due to growth in air travel and the need for experienced pilots in passenger and cargo airlines. Factors such as industry expansion, retirements, and the requirement for FAA certification contribute to ongoing job opportunities for qualified commercial pilots. However, competition can be high, and pilots typically need significant flight hours and training to qualify for employment.
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For Commercial Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Commercial Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Commercial Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,504 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Supervisory Helicopter Pilot

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Kershaw, SC

$89K/yr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 294 rated public sector bodies

Job description

Supervisory Helicopter Pilot, provides supervision and guidance to pilots, working with the Aviation Program Manager, the Aviation Fleet Manager and Operations and Logistics Managers to collaboratively deliver aviation services to WS cooperators and stakeholders within the east, supervising up to 30 intermittent and part-time pilots.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.
Medical Requirements
At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the second-class medical certificate, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position, and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. Staff specialists not involved in the operation of aircraft need only have a medical examination indicating that they are able to perform the duties of the position to be filled. For flight test pilots, airspace system inspection pilots, and Customs pilots, all candidates must possess a current first class medical certificate at the time of appointment.
Certificates and Ratings:
For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the military rating, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying light helicopters, such as Bell or MD helicopters, to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with helicopter and instrument ratings or appropriate U.S. military ratings.
Note:
Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements:
  1. Total Flight Time --1500 HRS- Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement.
  2. Pilot-In-Command -- 250 HRS- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
  3. Night Flying -- 75 HRS-- For in service placement actions at the GS-11 level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work.
  4. Flying Time, Last 12 Months --100 HRS-- Required only for positions that involve flying. The flight hours specified apply to competitive appointments.
In addition to the meeting the above criteria you must also show the specialized experience below:
FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Operating light helicopters at low altitudes (100 feet above ground level) in varying terrains and cover types.
  • Aerial predator or feral swine control operations in mountainous environments.
  • Low level flight experience with a Bell or MD helicopter or a make and model of helicopter or similar type (i.e. Single Engine Piston). Please ensure the aircraft type that meets this experience is listed in your resume along with total hours Pilot in Command (PIC), PIC time for the preceding 12 months, and total hours spent as PIC for wildlife damage or similar operations.
  • Experience in supervising other pilots or aerial crewmembers.

Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:Please see above for education qualification requirement information.Employment Type: OTHER

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