Thinking of becoming a career pilot? Whether you have some flying experience or want to change careers and have none, aviation is a fluid career with plenty of opportunities, excitement and real professional development potential. From flying at the controls of a regional jet to cargo hauling and private aviation, the opportunities for professional pilots have never been greater.
This guide is here to answer all the questions prospective aviators and their families have about what an aviation career entails. You'll discover how the industry works, what licenses you need to succeed, the different paths available for pilot jobs, and how to find the best one for your aspirations. You'll also learn how Acron Aviation Academy supports students in getting their certifications and long-lasting careers in aviation.
Top career paths for pilots
Airline pilot (regional & major)
This is the most common career path for a pilot desiring a stable schedule and career progression. A typical airline career unfolds as follows:
- Regional First Officer
- Regional Captain
- Major/LCC airline First Office (Delta, American, etc.)
- Major/LCC airline Captain
Be prepared for rotating schedules and nights away from home, but also regular pay increases and excellent employment stability.
Cargo & freight pilot
Cargo pilots transport packages and freight for businesses such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL. Since many routes are overnight or in the early morning, cargo pilots tend to have less passenger-related pressure.
Advantages:
- Salary comparable to commercial airlines
- Less interaction with customers
- Ability to fly large jets earlier in a pilot's career
Disadvantages:
- Many night shifts
- Possibly limited routing options (repetitive routes)
Corporate, charter & private jet pilot
Also referred to as business aviation, this career involves transporting executives, sports teams and other persons of interest on an as-needed basis. Flights are usually more intimate in nature but involve more professional expectations.
Pros:
- More customizable and more individualized, with smaller crews
- Varied travel locations (no common routes)
- Higher hourly pay for experienced pilots
Cons:
- Irregular hours and last-minute travel
- Fewer upgrading opportunities than with commercial airlines
- Smaller pilot group
Why aviation is a rewarding career choice
Industry outlook and pilot demand
There's never been a better time to become a pilot. Worldwide airlines are experiencing a massive pilot shortage, and more than 30% of all active pilots are at retirement age. According to Boeing, more than 660,000 additional aviators will be required by 2045. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also states that airline pilots earn a median salary of $226,600, with thousands of anticipated annual openings.
Given pilot retirement rates and increased air travel, newly minted pilots will be in high demand for decades to come.
Perks and challenges of being a pilot
There are many rewarding perks to becoming a professional pilot. Here are a few:
- Potential for high salary and salary increases
- Ability to fly internationally
- Great social respect and esteem
- Promotion from First Officer to Captain
- Free flights for you, your family and designated guest (standby flights)
There are also many responsibilities:
- Training is extensive and requires time, energy, and finances
- You may be required to work weekends and evenings
- You must pass various FAA-required physicals and maintain certifications
Acron Aviation Academy will equip you to understand all facets of the profession. You'll learn the technical skills, safety habits, and professional characteristics expected by airlines as well as receive community and mentorship for long-term success.
Required licenses & milestones for pilots
Training progression overview
Whether you want to take to the skies for fun or make a career out of it, most pilot careers follow this path:
- Private Pilot License (PPL): Your introduction to flying.
- Instrument Rating (IR): Prepares you to fly in clouds and limited visibility.
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Fly and get paid for it.
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII): Instructing future pilots is the most common way to build hours.
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP): The license required for airline careers.
As a full-time student at the Acron Aviation Academy, you're looking at 12 to 18 months to achieve 1-4, the ATP certificate, which is typically paid for and completed during the airline indoc training. Acron Aviation boasts over one hundred aircraft and over 130 instructors, meaning you won’t waste any time waiting for your training.
Core certifications explained
- PPL: Fly single-engine aircraft for private use.
- CPL: Fly passengers or cargo for compensation legally.
- CFI/CFII: Teach others and gain hours for your ATP.
You’ll also need:
- Instrument Rating: Added to Private for ability to fly in clouds and limited visibility.
- Type Ratings: Required for specific turboprop, turbojet and turbine aircraft.
- Each certification adds to the previous one as you're taught skills and given confidence to operate under more challenging conditions.
Choosing the right path: what fits you best?
Key factors to consider
Before making a decision about where your aviation career will take you, consider the following:
- Would you prefer a set schedule?
- Are you comfortable with a move? Do you want to commute to your base?
- What salary do you want in the next 5 to 10 years?
- Do you prefer routine, spontaneity or both?
There's an option for everyone in aviation. You just need to identify what you like and learn with a school that will help you get there.
Career comparison table
| Career path | Avg. starting salary | Schedule type | Advancement opportunities |
| Regional airline |
$60,000 - $90,000 |
Seniority-based |
High |
| Major airline |
$120,000 - $200,000+ |
Seniority-based |
High |
| Cargo pilot |
$70,000 - $140,000 |
Seniority-based |
High |
| Corporate pilot |
$80,000 - $120,000 |
Irregular |
Moderate |
| Charter pilot |
$50,000 - $90,000 |
On-demand |
Moderate |
How Acron Aviation Academy supports your journey
Training programs aligned with career goals
Acron Aviation Academy has modular and integrated courses to suit your style. Whether you're attending training full-time or transitioning from another job, our staff makes sure you stay on target.
The Academy is proud to be a part of numerous direct airline pathway programs, designed to get your early seniority at your airline while working towards your hours.
Career support & alumni success
From your first day, the Career Services office will support you in interview prep and airline assessments and placement. Our alumni work for all the major airlines, charter, and cargo companies.
- Individualized mentorship
- Career fairs and industry engagements
- Job placement support
FAQs
Most students accumulate all certifications and flight hours within 18 to 24 months. Many instruct to acquire flight hours.
No. Regional airline carriers do not require college degrees; many major carriers have also removed the requirement of college degrees.
Pay scales vary, but as a regional airline pilot, you may start at $60-90K, while a senior airline Captain may exceed $200K.
Yes! Many pilots transition from cargo to charter to airline and back, depending on their personal goals, family obligations and lifestyle.
Ready to launch your career?
Your aviation career begins with professional training, and Acron Aviation Academy will help you every step of the way.
Want to know more? Reach out to us and schedule a consultation to find out more about our courses and which one is best for you.
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Acron Aviation Academy
We help you fulfill your dream of becoming a commercial pilot.