Pilot
Fly commercial, cargo, or private aircraft.
This UK pilot career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £24,000 - £40,000 (first officer)
- Mid-career salary
- £60,000 - £100,000
- Senior salary
- £120,000 - £200,000 (captain)
- Work environment
- Cockpit, varied schedules, away from home
- Time to entry
- 2 - 3 years training (£80k-£120k)
- Degree required
- Not required (ATPL training)
- Category
- Transport and Logistics
What a Pilot does
Fly commercial, cargo, or private aircraft.
How to become a Pilot
- Look up Pilot roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Pilot - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Discipline
- Calm under pressure
- Spatial awareness
- Decision making