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Transport & Logistics

How to become an Airline Pilot

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there
2–4 years
Typical pay
$90k–$180k
Starting from
No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

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The route

  1. Get a private pilot licence

    Around 60–70 hours of flight time. Budget honestly — this stage alone runs five figures.

    FAA Private Pilot Licence

  2. Add instrument and commercial ratings

    The commercial certificate requires 250 hours total time.

    FAA Commercial Pilot Licence

  3. Build hours as an instructor

    Most pilots instruct to reach 1,500 hours because paying for them is not realistic.

    Certified Flight Instructor

  4. Reach ATP minimums

    1,500 hours, or 1,000 with an approved university route. Then regional airline hiring opens.

    FAA Airline Transport Pilot

  5. Fly for a regional, then a major

    First-year regional pay is modest; the curve after that is steep.

  6. Destination

    Airline Pilot

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