How to Earn Six Figures as a Commercial Pilot

If you’ve ever dreamed of sitting in a cockpit, then you’ll probably know that becoming a commercial pilot is far from simple. It’s expensive, time consuming, and requires a level of dedication few jobs can match.

But is it worth it?

That’s the question we’re asking today. We’ll be talking in depth about the process for becoming a commercial pilot and how much you’ll earn in the long run. We’ll also be helping you decide if it’s a worthwhile investment for you and exploring some of the financial options.

Ready for take off?

How to Become a Commercial Pilot

There are two primary ways to qualify as a commercial pilot.

The first is called an integrated training course and is a highly structured 18 month program. You can start the course with absolutely no flight experience and by the end you’ll have your full ATPL (Air Transport Pilot License).

The second option is the modular approach, gaining flight hours and tackling each exam at your own pace. This is better for those who have to work around an already busy schedule.

Now, whichever route you choose, this is an expensive career path. Obtaining a commercial pilot licence generally requires an investment ranging from £80,000 to £130,000. On top of that you’ll have to acquire a “type rating” for the specific aircraft you’ll be flying which can add another £20-30K.

This is by far the biggest hurdle many face on the path to being a pilot and for some the cost will always be prohibitive. That said, it’s not all doom and gloom and there are some options that can make things easier.

While it’s true that this kind of expense is basically out of reach for anyone working a minimum wage/entry level job, the modular approach does allow you to take things a little more slowly. What might have been 4 years work for some, can be done in 10 years if that’s a financial necessity.

Furthermore, there are some fully funded training positions available through airlines. They’re incredibly competitive but if you can’t afford the cost, this is by far your best option.

Now, it’s worth noting that such competitive positions are far from a guarantee while a ten year learning window isn’t feasible for some. International law dictates that you can’t be a commercial pilot over the age of 65. As such, depending on your age, you’ll want to think seriously about the kind of return you’ll make on such a major long term investment. Speaking of which…

How Much Does a Commercial Pilot Make?

Perhaps the most surprising thing about a commercial pilot’s earnings is the scale of the gap between entry-level and senior captains.

An entry level commercial pilot typically starts as a Second Officer or junior First Officer, where earnings sit between £30,000 and £45,000 per year depending on the size of the operator. Compared to other entry-level jobs in the UK, that is pretty high but it’s nothing when you factor in the cost of becoming a pilot.

So why do people stick it out?

Because once you gain some experience, your earnings will accelerate rapidly. In a few years you’ll easily be hitting £60-80K and if you become a captain, you’ll be comfortably making six figures plus. Short-haul commercial pilot salaries can be as high as £140,000 while long haul sometimes hit £200,000.

When all’s said and done, making money as a pilot is about playing the long game. Those who succeed are well rewarded for the effort.

Why Are Commercial Pilots Paid So Much?

Now, you may be wondering why it is that commercial pilots earn so much money. Sure, they have some advanced skills but are their qualifications really worth that much more than a barrister or a cloud platform engineer?

The truth is that being a commercial pilot isn’t easy – both in a technical sense and in the day-to-day routine. Not only is the bar for learning about as high as you can get – encompassing subjects as diverse as meteorology, physics, and of course aviation – but the job itself can be stressful and fatiguing.

There’s a reason why long haul captains earn more than any other pilot. They’re the ones taking on the most responsibility and they’re doing it under the most exhausting conditions. When you sign for an aircraft, you are legally responsible for both a multi-million pound asset and, far more importantly, the lives of hundreds of passengers.

Furthermore, it’s an intense lifestyle. The schedule of a pilot takes them all over the world, working anti-social hours, weekends, and bank holidays. After all, there’s nobody who understands jet lag better than someone whose day job – not to mention evening noon and night – is to pilot a jet.

But of course, for many it’s worth it in spite of all that, not just because of the incredible pay, but because it’s a passion. As we mentioned at the start, for many, being a commercial pilot and flying all over the world is a dream come true. For those who love it, it’s more than worth the difficulty and incredibly fulfilling in the long run.