How To Make a Living as a Hot Air Balloon Pilot

With a commercial lighter-than-air certificate, balloonists can turn their passion into extra cash. Add business savvy and a corporate contract or two, and you can do more than that.

Sara Withrow

Friday, May 13, 2022 at 12:31 PM ET

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Chris Sabia, pilot of the Wonder Bread Hot Air Balloon, shoots hot air inside the balloon envelope using a propane burner, to raise it for the Up Up & Away Florida festival’s balloon glow event. [Photo: Sara Withrow]

Key Takeaways:

Hot air balloon piloting is a passion that can evolve into a profession, serving as a significant side income to cover expenses or, with corporate contracts, a full-time career.
Income is primarily generated through passenger flights, tethered rides, and especially through corporate advertising contracts that offer stability and opportunities for national brand promotion.
Due to weather-dependent flight windows, many balloon pilots balance their passion with other primary careers, but they also highlight the strong community aspect and the unique, challenging piloting skills required for ballooning.

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Hot air balloon pilots will tell you that flying them is something that gets under your skin, a passion that ignites your soul—almost like the burners that keep their balloons aloft. But pursuing that passion can also be a way to make a living. Balloon pilots with business savvy often turn what starts as a hobby into a side job that not only pays for the travel and expenses associated with ballooning, but can also build college funds for their kids, or be a secondary income for their families. And, for those who hustle and have the good fortune of landing a corporate advertising contract (or two), it can become a full-time career.

The Up Up & Away Florida Hot Air Balloon Festival held May 6 through 8 in Lakeland was a showcase for business-oriented balloonists—who flock to dozens of festivals year-round to promote corporate brands, and/or sell passenger flights and tethered balloon rides.