Airline Pilot – Top Paying Occupation
The US Labor Department Bureau of Labor Statistics has listed Airline Pilot as one of the top 20 highest paying occupations in the United States. And, it is the only job on the list that does not require a college degree. In addition, Boeing research, Federal Aviation Administration research division, the US Labor Department Bureau of Statistics and others all project a high growth rate for pilots well into the future. Airline pilots generally have great benefits. From retirement , health, and travel benefits, airline pilots enjoy some of the most generous job benefits available to workers at this time. They are able to fly all around the world, both for work and in their leisure time for pleasure, while getting paid! And, due to rest rules required for pilots, they work far fewer hours than most of the other occupations in list of highest paying jobs. Pilots have a lot of free time. Junior pilots have a minimum of 12 days off per month, while the average pilot gets at least 15 days off per month and a senior pilot can enjoy up to 20 days or more off per month.
In addition, most pilots will tell you they find the job to be very exciting, dynamic, and rewarding.
Airline pilots are in great demand not only in the United States, but worldwide. And, it is also among the highest paying careers in many other countries, besides the United States. Many pilots complete their flight training in the USA, and go on to fly for major airlines in other countries. It is often more cost effective, and faster to become a Commercial Pilot in America, than in other countries around the world. And the US offers some of the best flight training facilities in the world.
What does it take to become a Commercial Pilot? Here is what you will do to get the license:
- First participate in your initial Private Pilot training, and get that license. That requires some flying with an instructor, a written examination and a practical examination.
- Then you’ll get what is called your Instrument Rating, which allows you to fly by instruments when you are in the clouds. That requires some flying with an instructor, a written examination and a practical examination.
- You’ll then get your Commercial Pilot license. Once again, the regulations require some flying with an instructor, a written examination and a practical examination.
You’ll complete your Commercial License with between 190 – 250 flight hours in your logbook, which will take anywhere from 4 – 12 months, depending on the flight school you attend. You will then be legal to work as a pilot; however, you will have to build some hours and experience before you will be eligible for an airline job. Most pilots will work as flight instructors, or in other types of flying jobs to earn their flight hours and experience. This will take another 8 – 12 months, and then you’ll be eligible to be in the right seat fast.
The airlines are hiring. Many say they are unable to hire the number of pilots they need fast enough to meet their growing need for airline pilots. This includes charter services, major airlines such as Southwest, American, United, etc.; and the cargo companies like FedEx and UPS. The sooner you complete your training, the faster you’ll be able to start your flying career.