Back to Skilled Trades Programs

    Become a Commercial Pilot

    Take your career to new heights with professional flight training that prepares you to fly for hire.

    Duration
    12–24 months
    Certifications
    FAA Commercial Pilot License (CPL); Instrument Rating; Multi-Engine Rating
    Key Skills
    Attention to detail, communication, decision-making, technical proficiency, situational awareness
    Work Settings
    Airlines, charter flight companies, cargo carriers, corporate aviation, flight schools, government agencies
    Job Outlook
    >+5% (Faster than average)
    Salary Range
    $112K–$220K+

    What Is Commercial Pilot License?

    Commercial Pilots are trained to handle complex aircraft systems, navigate in all weather conditions, and follow precise safety and communication procedures. Training includes both ground instruction and extensive flight hours to prepare for FAA certification.

    If you love aviation and want a career that combines skill, responsibility, and adventure, becoming a commercial pilot offers unmatched opportunities. Career-Bond partners with FAA-approved flight schools that provide professional instruction and simulator-based learning.

    What You'll Learn in Commercial Pilot License Training

    Core Skills

    • Aerodynamics and flight theory
    • FAA rules and navigation
    • Meteorology and weather decision-making
    • Instrument and multi-engine flight
    • Flight planning and air traffic communication
    • Emergency procedures and safety protocols
    • Aviation physiology and human factors
    • Commercial pilot maneuvers and certification exam preparation

    Safety & Compliance

    • OSHA basics
    • PPE
    • Hazard awareness
    • Jobsite safety
    • Tool safety
    • Workplace professionalism

    Tools & Technology

    • FAA Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
    • Instrument Rating
    • Multi-Engine Rating

    Admissions Requirements for Commercial Pilot License Training

    Most Commercial Pilot License programs have accessible entry requirements designed to help motivated students start their career.

    Minimum age requirement
    Background check may be required
    Ability to perform physical job tasks
    High school diploma/GED may be preferred

    Requirements vary by program and training provider. Career-Bond partners will confirm specific requirements during enrollment.

    Certifications for Commercial Pilot License

    This program prepares you for nationally recognized certifications that employers value.

    FAA Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

    Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

    Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Trade practices

    Instrument Rating

    Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

    Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Trade practices

    Multi-Engine Rating

    Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

    Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Trade practices

    Certification requirements vary by state and employer. Career-Bond partners will help you understand the requirements in your area.

    Commercial Pilot License Salary & Job Outlook

    $112K–$220K+
    National Salary Range
    ~$166,000
    Median Salary
    >+5% (Faster than average)
    Job Growth Rate
    High Demand
    Market Outlook

    Growing demand driven by growth in commercial aviation, workforce replacement as pilots retire, and ongoing need for trained pilots across airline, charter, and specialized flight operations

    Career Outlook for Commercial Pilot License

    Work Settings

    Airlines, charter operators, corporate flight departments, cargo and medical transport, flight instruction

    Advancement Path

    Progress to advanced certifications; specialize in a niche; move into lead, supervisor, estimator, or business owner roles with experience.

    What Is the Difference Between Commercial Pilot License and Commercial Diving Training?

    TL;DR: Commercial Pilot License prepares students for regulated aviation careers, while Commercial Diving Training prepares students for underwater industrial and construction work.

    A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) program trains students to operate aircraft professionally, focusing on flight theory, navigation, weather, regulations, and extensive flight hours under strict aviation safety standards. Careers often include charter flights, cargo transport, flight instruction, or specialized aviation services. Commercial Diving Training is centered on underwater industrial work, emphasizing physical endurance, diving systems, underwater tools, and construction or inspection tasks in challenging environments. While both paths require rigorous safety training and certification, pilots work in controlled aviation environments, whereas commercial divers operate in physically demanding, high-risk underwater conditions. Choose a Commercial Pilot License if you want a structured aviation career with long-term progression; choose Commercial Diving Training if you prefer hands-on industrial work in marine and underwater settings.

    Comparing Programs
    Commercial Pilot License
    Commercial Diving Training
    Primary Focus
    Commercial Pilot License

    Professional operation of aircraft under regulated aviation standards

    Commercial Diving Training

    Underwater industrial and construction work in marine environments

    Typical Training Length
    Commercial Pilot License

    Extended training with required flight hours and ground instruction

    Commercial Diving Training

    Intensive certificate programs emphasizing diving safety and operations

    Core Skills
    Commercial Pilot License

    Flight operations, navigation, weather analysis, aviation regulations

    Commercial Diving Training

    Diving systems operation, underwater tools, construction and inspection tasks

    Certifications
    Commercial Pilot License

    Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by aviation authority

    Commercial Diving Training

    Commercial diving certifications aligned to industry requirements

    Work Settings
    Commercial Pilot License

    Airports, charter operations, cargo services, flight training organizations

    Commercial Diving Training

    Offshore platforms, ports, dams, underwater construction sites

    Technology Used
    Commercial Pilot License

    Aircraft systems, avionics, flight planning and navigation tools

    Commercial Diving Training

    Diving equipment, life-support systems, underwater tools

    Career Progression
    Commercial Pilot License

    Charter pilot, cargo pilot, flight instructor, aviation career paths

    Commercial Diving Training

    Senior diver, underwater construction lead, marine industry roles

    Best For
    Commercial Pilot License

    Students seeking structured aviation careers with long-term progression

    Commercial Diving Training

    Students preferring hands-on industrial work in challenging underwater conditions

    Commercial Pilot License

    Students seeking structured aviation careers with long-term progression

    Commercial Diving Training

    Students preferring hands-on industrial work in challenging underwater conditions

    Benefits of Commercial Pilot License Training

    Train for one of the most respected and high-paying skilled careers
    Learn to fly commercial aircraft with FAA-approved instructors
    Earn multiple aviation ratings and build flight hours
    Travel the world while building a professional aviation career

    Commercial Pilot License Student Reviews

    "The training was rigorous but incredibly rewarding — I achieved my dream of flying professionally."

    Chris B.
    Commercial Pilot

    "Career-Bond helped me find an FAA-approved program that led to both my CPL and instrument rating."

    Hannah T.
    Flight Instructor

    "I now fly business executives across the country — every day is a new challenge and a new view."

    Marcus F.
    Corporate Pilot

    Commercial Pilot License FAQs

    Related Programs

    Explore similar career paths that match your interests

    Flight Training

    Related Field
    Salary: $80K–$150K+Duration: 6–18 months
    Learn More

    Commercial Diving Training

    Comparable Skills
    Salary: $55K–$110K+Duration: 6–12 months
    Learn More

    Ready to Start Your Aviation Career?

    Find Commercial Pilot License programs that fit your schedule and budget.