How to Become a Corporate Pilot

Path requires time and hard work, but there are exciting and rewarding career opportunities in the field.

Andrew Chen

Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Many corporate pilots work for charter companies that operate private aircraft. [Credit: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

Corporate aviation provides a distinct career path for pilots, involving flying for private companies, wealthy individuals, or charter services, often in diverse aircraft types.
The essential steps to becoming a corporate pilot include obtaining a Private Pilot Certificate, followed by a Commercial Pilot Certificate, and accumulating significant flight hours, typically 1,500 for entry-level positions.
Many corporate pilot roles also require an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, in addition to specific medical, passport, and FCC radio operator licenses.
Salaries for corporate pilots are competitive, with new first officers earning $70,000-$100,000 annually and experienced captains potentially making over $300,000 per year.

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Beyond the hustle and bustle of a busy airport terminal, there is a whole other world of passenger aviation in our skies. Corporate aircraft and their pilots serve travelers all around the globe each and every day.

Although it is easy to assume that being a pilot means working for an airline, corporate aviation also offers exciting careers for aviators. Corporate pilots have unique opportunities when it comes to their lifestyle, workplace, and travel destinations. Here is what you need to know about becoming a corporate pilot.