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Avg. salary range
$84k–$109k
across regions
Hours / Day
16
Days / Week
5
working days
About this career
A commercial pilot is responsible for operating and flying aircraft that are used for commercial purposes, such as transporting passengers and cargo. They are highly trained and skilled professionals who must have extensive knowledge of aviation regulations, safety protocols, and weather patterns. Commercial pilots must work closely with air traffic control, other pilots, and ground crews to ensure that flights run smoothly and safely. They also need to communicate effectively with passengers, providing them with important safety information and updates about the flight. In addition to flying the plane, commercial pilots are responsible for conducting pre-flight checks, monitoring instruments during the flight, and making adjustments as needed. A commercial pilot certificate is required for this job.
Career Level
Where you could work
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Where do we get our data?
Our career data is based on regional averages provided by the Spokane Workforce Council. Data is subject to change based on location, job specialty, experience level, and/or union association.
What you'll need
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Attention To Detail
Do you often notice things that other people miss? Are you able to complete a project with few or no mistakes?
Communication
Are you able to write or vocalize your thoughts efficiently? Can you retain information that you hear or read?
Math
Do you have a good sense of numbers? Are you easily able to recognize patterns? Can you easily do basic calculations?
Problem Solving
Do you enjoy solving puzzles? Are you able to easily identify the cause of a problem?
Vehicle Operation
Are licensed to operate necessary vehicles? Do you consider machine safety a top priority?
Education & Training
Certificate or Apprenticeship Program
Certificates and apprenticeships are available in skilled trades and career-oriented fields. Some programs offer coursework that is similar to that of associate's degree programs in the same subject, and students may be able to transfer their credits to associate's degree programs when they finish. Certificate programs usually take between one and two years to complete.
Compensation
North Central
Washington
Low
$44,200
Average
$83,600
High
$100,700
Washington minimum wage
Salary data reflects regional averages and may vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Work Schedule
Shift cycle
5 on · 2 off per cycle
Schedules can vary widely or become sporadic depending on location, company, or seniority. Pilots can spend days away from home with time off in between. Total working hours average between 40 to 60 hours per week.
Transportation & Distribution
How does it compare?
Average Salary
$95,367
Overall Rank
50th
out of 199 careers
In Transportation & Distribution
2nd
out of 6 careers
Salary distribution
Rankings are based on average salary data across all careers in our database. Individual earnings may vary.
See it in action
