Is Becoming a Pilot a Good Career?

A competitive salary, high earning potential, opportunities to travel, and airline benefits are only a handful of reasons why you might want to consider a career as a commercial pilot. Becoming a pilot can open lucrative doors for a long career in aviation. If you are thinking about becoming a commercial pilot, here are some things to consider before starting your career. 

Demand for Pilots in 2025

In short, there will always be a need for commercial pilots. 2025 is no different. It just depends on where you look. At any given time, different airlines are hiring from United Airlines to Delta Airlines. Not anyone can become a pilot. It takes rigorous training to become a commercial pilot through either a part 61 or part 141 flight training program. These programs provide pilots with the minimum requirements to fly for any commercial airline. Phoenix East Aviation prepares its students to apply for jobs at any airline by offering extensive and high-quality flight training through its professional pilot training programs. 

Pilot Career Benefits

There are numerous benefits of starting a career as a pilot. The benefits may vary depending on the type of job positions you want to take after obtaining all your licenses and ratings. The specificities of each benefit vary depending on the airline you work for, but the general benefits of becoming a pilot carry over from job to job. 

Job Security

Because of the level of experience you need to become a commercial pilot, not everyone can apply for the job. This leads to a smaller pool of applicants, which can also result in higher job security. In short, there’s always a need for pilots. Obtaining your licenses and ratings to become a pilot takes 1500 hours minimum of flight training and commitment to a months-long program. Becoming a pilot is an investment that will help lead to job security for the length of your career. While it is not guaranteed that you can get a job at a specific airline, there are always airlines hiring for pilots in any given year. 

High Earning Potential

The average salary of a commercial airline pilot for an entry-level regional pilot position is $90,300 to $120,700. But, there is higher earning potential from there. For example, the average salary of a pilot for United Airlines is $140,141. 

Your earning potential will be dependent on:

• Level of experience: beginner pilots usually earn less than those with more experiencer
• Type of pilot job: captains tend to earn more than first officers
• Regional vs. international: flying internationally may lead to a higher salary than flying regionally
• The airline itself: airlines offer competitive salaries that can vary depending on who you work for 

One of the biggest benefits of becoming a pilot is the potential for career growth. Based on the factors that determine a pilot’s salary, there is room for growth in earning potential as well throughout a pilot’s career. 

Airline Benefits

Commercial airlines offer competitive benefits to pilots because of the specialized skills they possess that require extensive flight training. These benefits often consist of:

• Bonuses: these can be in the form of sign-on bonuses, retention bonuses, or performance-based bonuses
• High salaries: as mentioned in the section above, pilots have the opportunity to earn a competitive salary 
• Per diem: due to the travel nature of a job as a commercial pilot, many airlines offer allowances that cover meals or other similar expenses during time away from home
• Retirement plans: unlike most jobs, commercial pilots have a mandatory retirement age of 65 in the U.S. Because of this, airlines tend to offer competitive retirement plans to help their pilots live well at the end of their careers
• Travel benefits: many airlines offer pilots and their families travel benefits for lower cost flying when using that airline 

By offering competitive benefits, commercial airlines are able to draw in the most qualified candidates in a highly skilled pool of applicants. During pilot shortages, pilots may see an increase in the benefits they can get when applying for a job.  

Considerations for Becoming a Pilot

Before becoming a pilot, there are a few things to consider. 

First, becoming a pilot requires a lot of dedication, time, and effort. Flight training lasts months or years, depending on the program and how long it takes each individual student to obtain their licenses, ratings, and required flight hours. Before getting hired by a commercial airline, a student must commit to a program in its entirety, whether through a Part 61 or Part 141 program. 

Second, it involves travel. Commercial airline pilots don’t follow a typical 9-to-5 schedule, nor are their shifts limited to a strict eight hours. Their work often includes varying hours, overnight stays, and travel to different cities or countries, making flexibility and adaptability key parts of the job. 

Work hours vary depending on the airline and the length of each flight. Because flying involves travel, pilots don’t always return home at the end of each shift. For example, if a pilot flies from Florida to Trinidad and Tobago, they may need to stay overnight and operate a return flight the following day, scheduled according to the airline’s departure time. Pilots must be adaptable and comfortable with a schedule that requires flexibility and travel. 

Third, not every flight training program is designed the same. Before becoming a pilot, you must be a student. There are plenty of flight training programs in the U.S., but not all of them offer the same level of resources and quality of training. Some students choose to transfer to a different flight school partway through their training as they reassess their goals or seek a program that better fits their needs. Reviewing the quality of a flight school ahead of time is crucial to ensuring you benefit the most from that commitment. Phoenix East Aviation is an accredited flight school with highly skilled and experienced instructors. 

All in all, becoming a pilot is a rewarding career that requires dedication, focus, and a passion for flight. If you’re ready to take the first step toward achieving your dreams, contact Phoenix East Aviation to explore the programs available and find the path that aligns with your career goals.