Airline Pilot

Your Fit

Income

$112K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

3.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Airline Pilot?

An Airline Pilot is a professional who operates and navigates airplanes for commercial airlines to transport passengers and cargo. They are responsible for the safety, efficiency, and punctuality of air travel.

Sample job titles:

Airline Captain, Captain, First Officer, Pilot

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Airline Pilot.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Airline Pilot earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Airline Pilot.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$48K per year	$72K per year	$112K per year	$150K per year	$208K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $47K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Airline Pilot do?

Work environment

Airline pilots work in the cockpits of commercial aircraft. They spend significant hours flying, often including weekends, holidays, and overnight layovers. Their schedules can vary greatly, with long international routes requiring extended periods away from home.

Quick task list

Conducts pre-flight inspections of aircraft and navigational systems.
Plans flight paths, considering weather conditions and airspace restrictions.
Operates aircraft safely and efficiently, adhering to all regulations.
Communicates with air traffic control during flights.
Responds to changing conditions and emergencies.
Documents flight logs and maintenance issues.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Short-Haul Commercial Flights
Long-Haul International Flights
Cargo Transportation
Flight Instruction
Charter Flights

Description

Airline pilots are highly trained professionals who ensure the safe and efficient operation of aircraft. Their job begins well before takeoff, with thorough checks of weather, aircraft conditions, fuel requirements, and flight plans. Pilots work closely with co-pilots and flight crew to ensure all aspects of the flight run smoothly. They need a deep understanding of the aircraft systems, aviation technology, and navigational tools.

During the flight, pilots are responsible for the operation of the aircraft, monitoring its performance, and communicating with air traffic control. They need to be prepared to make quick decisions and respond to any unforeseen circumstances, such as weather changes or mechanical issues. Pilots must remain calm and focused, especially during takeoff, landing, and any in-flight anomalies.

The career of an airline pilot requires ongoing education and training. They must stay updated with the latest aviation technologies and regulations. Regular medical examinations, proficiency checks, and recurrent training are part of maintaining their qualifications.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The prestige and responsibility of safely transporting passengers and cargo.
Opportunities to travel and experience different cultures.
The challenge and excitement of operating complex aircraft.

You might make a good Airline Pilot if you are...

Passionate about aviation and flying.
Able to make quick, informed decisions under pressure.
Detail-oriented, especially regarding safety protocols.
Comfortable with irregular working hours and a changing schedule.
Interested in traveling and comfortable with spending time away from home.

Pros:

Opportunities for extensive travel.
High earning potential and benefits.
A rewarding and respected profession.

Cons:

Irregular and long working hours.
The stress of being responsible for the safety of passengers.
Constant need for training and staying updated with new aviation regulations.

How to become an Airline Pilot

Typical education

Becoming an airline pilot typically requires a bachelor's degree, followed by extensive flight training. Pilots also need to earn a commercial pilot's license and an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics and Physics for understanding flight dynamics.
Geography for navigation and route planning.
Computer Science for operating complex aircraft systems.
English for clear communication in international aviation.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining aviation clubs or flight simulation groups.
Participating in STEM programs.
Engaging in team sports for leadership and teamwork skills.

Preparation after high school

Earning a bachelor's degree, preferably in aviation, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
Completing flight training from an FAA-approved flight school.
Gaining flight experience to qualify for a commercial pilot's license and ATP certificate.
Building hours through various pilot positions, such as flight instructing or regional airline flying.

More resources

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - For information on pilot licensing and regulations.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) - Offers resources and support for pilots.
The Professional Pilots Rumour Network (PPRuNe Forums) - A forum for professional pilots to discuss industry topics.
Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) - The largest pilot union in the world, providing advocacy and resources.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.