Texas
How to Become a Commercial Pilot
Learn what commercial pilot professionals do, how to enter the field, and how the career can grow—plus current Texas earning potential.
Texas Median Salary
$137,960
2026 EDITION
Time to Entry
2–4 weeks processing time and a $130 fee per application
Total Investment
$800–$1,500 per checkride
Employment #s
4120
Our Features
Every figure in this guide is dated and traced to the agency or survey it came from. Wage data: BLS OEWS May 2025 (released 15 May 2026).
Who It's For:
For people exploring commercial pilot and ready-to-start candidates who want a clear, source-backed view of the work, the entry requirements, the time and cost involved, and the paths available after qualification.
What's in the Guide:
What the work involves, where the role fits, and what employers expect | A step-by-step entry roadmap covering education, regulation, credentials, exams, time, and cost | Career-specific skills and realities: Federal Aviation Administration — Sole Authority; FAA Flight Standards District Offices (FSDOs) — Texas | Current Texas and U.S. pay ranges and the factors that shape earning potential | A source-backed 90-day action plan
Earning Potential
Texas
$68,460 – $259,990
United States
$68,460 – $259,990
BLS OEWS May 2025 (released 15 May 2026)
Regulatory Authority
Federal Aviation Administration
Is a license required?
No
Credential
The License/Certification
Continuing Education
3 hours by reference to instruments)
Examination
Schedule the exam
Heading 3
No state license stands between you and this work — which changes how you compete.
Common Questions
Credential
