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.

The route

1. 1

   4–8 months

   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. 2

   8–14 months

   Add instrument and commercial ratings

   The commercial certificate requires 250 hours total time.

   ◆ FAA Commercial Pilot Licence

3. 3

   1–2 years

   Build hours as an instructor

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

   ◆ Certified Flight Instructor

4. 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. 5

   2–5 years

   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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