Income

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Edition salary survey data indicates the median annual wage for commercial pilots, as of May 2008, was $65,340. Commercial pilots in the lowest 10 percent of aviators earned less than $32,020. Pilots in the highest 10 percent earned more than $129,580. Typical corporate benefit packages include medical, dental, disability, vision and life insurance. Pilots may also have contracts that offer overtime and holiday pay, housing, meals, travel per diem and a 401(K) plan. Salary survey data indicates that as of June 2011, salaried Gulfstream IV pilots are paid an average of $10,000 per month. Gulfstream IV pilots, working as independent contractors, average $800 per hour of flight time.
  
  

Job Description

• Gulfstream IV pilots may work flexible hours, on an on-call basis, or pilot regularly scheduled flights. Many work for private corporations, transporting executives, staff and cargo to locations around the world. Gulfstream pilots who hold a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) license and have 3,000 or more hours of flight time receive preference in hiring and the highest pay.
  
  

Qualifications

• To obtain a commercial pilot license, candidates must be in top physical condition and pass a strict physical examination administered by a FAA approved physician or healthcare provider. Excellent hearing, 20/20 vision (with or without corrective lens), reflexes and coordination are integral to the performance of a pilot's duties. A pilot may not have any mental or physical handicaps that could impair function. Superior communication skills, both written and oral, are required.
  
  

Training And Licensing

• The majority of pilots in the United States received flight training while serving in the military. Others attended an approved FAA flight school. There are more than 600 approved schools throughout the country. The majority of commercial pilots hold a master's degree in aerospace technology, flight engineering or aerodynamics. Aviators with extensive experience, educational achievements and advance levels of training have more opportunities for career advance and increased earnings.