Aviation Pilot Training Career Overview - Southwestern Illinois College

Employment Opportunities

A variety of careers are open to students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree and FAA license, including the one’s listed below:

  • Airline Pilot
  • Commercial Pilot
  • Corporate Pilot
  • Flight Instructor
  • Agricultural Pilot
Helicopter landing with instructor watching.

Career Outlook

The U.S Department of Labor 2021-2031 Occupational Outlook Handbook projects employment for Pilot to increase by about 6 percent. For further information regarding the field of history, please go to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Salary

The The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for Airline and Commercial Pilots at $134,630 in May 2021

So What Can You Do?

Airline Pilot

Work primarily for airlines that transport passengers and cargo on a fixed schedule.

Requires a bachelor’s degree in any field including transportation, engineering, or business. As well as be FAA certified.

Salary range: $100,110- $208,00 or more

Commercial Pilot

 Are involved in unscheduled flight activities, such as aerial application, charter flights, and aerial tours.

Requires being FAA certified, some employers require or prefer that they have a degree.

Salary range: $50,080- $205,940 or more

Hear from Alumni

SWIC graduates at 2022 ceremony

“After completing my Aviation Pilot Training Degree at SWIC I was able to transfer. The information I learned help me be on par with my peers. After graduating I was able to get a job at American Airlines.”

-Jim James