Commercial Pilot listed as one of the 50 best careers of 2011

A recent article written by RIck Newman at U.S. News and World Reports has listed commercial pilot as one of the top 50 best careers for 2011. The article gives a basic synopsis of the profession but is obviously written by someone who has not worked as a pilot recently. According to the article the field is expected to grow by 19 percent through 2018, adding 7,800 jobs. This news is positive, and with age 65 retirements coming up in 2013 this statistic is promising for the industry. Mr. Newman cites the Department of Labor and Statistics stating that the median income for a commercial pilot in 2009 was $65,840. He backs this figure explaining that new aviators should expect far less starting out and the requirement by some airlines to pay for training. Since the article was published yesterday (12-06-2010) it has already racked up 40+ comments by professional pilots and others experience in aviation. We feel that some of the best information on the profession can be found in these comments, not necessarily the article itself. Some notable comments:

9 years in the industry, over 5000 hours of flight time, 2000 hours command twin turbo prop, and I am just now making over 60 K per year.

I am currently flying as a Charter Pilot Captain on a Challenger 300. While I love to Fly as my job, it is NOT the career it once was when I first entered it back in 1989. While I do make a six figure income, the tradeoff is that I live by my cell phone, I only get 13 'hard days off' per quarter (this includes when the aircraft is down) and am gone from my family an 'average' of over 20 days per month.

A new pilot should budget $$$ for a lifestyle at the regional pilot low pay level (Delta Connection, American Eagle, Skywest). With some luck and hard work, perhaps make it to the higher paying major level (Delta, American, United, SWA). Always have a back up plan...

You won't hit that median income mark mentioned for several years after you get your commercial license.

I'm a 25 year veteran flying as a captain at American Airlines. I'm one of the lucky ones who grabbed their dream job. I've wanted to fly since I was a little kid. My dad was a career airline pilot and I just fell in love with it. My advice to anyone looking at this as a career is to forget about the money and the glamour. If you are crazy about airplanes and love to fly, you'll be willing to put up with the stress of getting to the top. Get in it for the money alone and you'll inevitably be disappointed.

If you have a passion for flying there is no doubt these comments may be discouraging. It is important for those considering aviation as a career to have a true picture of the profession. Those who stick it out can have a promising career with good benefits, good schedules and a nice salary. Just be prepared to work hard and pay your dues. View the U.S. News and World Reports article here: http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2010/12/06/best-careers-2011-commercial-pilot.html