How to Get a Commercial Pilot License – Step-by-Step

A commercial pilot license is the FAA certificate that lets you fly for pay, carrying people or property for compensation or hire.

Say a friend asks you to fly them to their lake cabin two hours away, and they even generously offer to cover the whole trip. You hold a private pilot certificate now, so it shouldn’t be any trouble, right?

As a private pilot, you would actually have to decline most of that cash, since the rules only let you split costs at most.

In order to legally take that money, you’d need a commercial pilot certificate. And as you’ll see, even that is only part of the answer.

Let’s talk about how to get a commercial pilot license in five steps. Plus, the potential earnings you’re looking at, what it costs, the privileges it grants you, and where the limits of those privileges lie.

Key Takeaways

• A commercial pilot certificate is the FAA certificate that allows you to fly for pay.
• You will need at least 250 total flight hours under Part 61, or as few as 190 if all your training is under Part 141.
• You can fly for pay, but carrying passengers point-to-point usually needs a Part 135 operator.
• If you already hold a PPL-IR, commercial training could cost roughly $25,000 under Part 61 or Part 141.
• Flight training fees in an undergraduate program can cost around $85,000 from zero hours to CPL.

What Is a Commercial Pilot License?

Once you have a commercial pilot license, under 14 CFR 61.133, you may act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft carrying persons or property for compensation or hire, as long as you’re qualified for the specific operation being flown.

It’s the credential that distinguishes you as a professional pilot. The CPL opens up tons of job opportunities, like hauling cargo or towing banners.

If you have your sights set on the airlines someday, the CPL lets you get paid while collecting hours toward that goal, instead of the other way around.

If you were to visualize the different pilot credentials in a ladder, the CPL sits right in the middle. It’s above the private pilot certificate, which doesn’t permit flying for hire, and below the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which is the highest level that the FAA issues.

Now, let’s clear up a bit of semantics. The FAA officially calls it a commercial pilot certificate, and not a license. Most people still say “commercial pilot license,” or “CPL” for short, out of habit.

Both terms point to the same thing, but some formal situations will require you to be more precise, like when you’re speaking to FAA representatives.

For this article, though, we’ll use both terms interchangeably. We’ll also focus on the commercial pilot certificate with an airplane rating.

How Do You Get a Commercial Pilot License?

At the most basic level, the five commercial pilot license steps are:

1. Meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Choose Part 61 or Part 141 training.
3. Pass the commercial pilot knowledge test.
4. Build your hours and complete flight training.
5. Pass the checkride.

That’s essentially how to become a commercial pilot. However, keep in mind that each item in the list could have weeks or even months of work and preparation behind it.

Let’s take a closer look at the adventure ahead, one step at a time.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

The commercial pilot license requirements are stated in 14 CFR 61.123. You’ll need to be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. It also goes without saying that you’ll need to already hold a private pilot certificate.

For young pilots, you can start your commercial pilot training before you turn 18, considering the minimum age for the student pilot certificate is 16, and you can earn your private certificate as young as 17.

But in order to qualify for a CPL, you’ll have to wait until you’re at least 18 years old.

As for your medical certificate, a third-class medical is sufficient to take the checkride. But the day you start exercising your commercial pilot privileges, you’ll need at least a second-class medical certificate, per 14 CFR 61.23.

Oh, and take note that BasicMed won’t work for commercial flying. Unfortunately, those privileges only apply to flights that aren’t for compensation or hire.

Step 2: Choose Part 61 or Part 141 Training

Most commercial pilot training pathways fall under one of two categories: Part 61 and Part 141.

You’ll need at least 250 total flying hours under Part 61. But if you train under Part 141, it can be as few as 190 hours. More on that later.

Now, we’d like to emphasize that neither is necessarily “better,” in some objective sense, than the other.

While it’ll take you more flight hours to earn a CPL under Part 61, it’s also very flexible, and it lets you train at your own pace.

It’s the ideal route if you’re juggling other responsibilities, like work or school. Or, if you just want the option to customize your training just for you.

On the other hand, Part 141 is a much bigger commitment. You’ll be training under a standard, FAA-approved syllabus, which comes with rigorous stage checks throughout.

But if you’re the sort of person who thrives on structure and routine, you’ll likely find enjoyment under Part 141. You’ll be done in fewer hours, too.

It all depends on your priorities and circumstances. We dissect those deciding factors and more in our guide to Part 61 vs. Part 141.

Step 3: Pass the Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test

The commercial airplane knowledge test, or CAX, will be your first “crucible” with the FAA before the practical test.

It’s a 100-item multiple-choice exam, where you’ll be given 2.5 hours to complete. You will need to score at least 70% to pass.

It’d be a smart move to knock out the knowledge test early, before flight training ramps up, so it won’t compete for your time later.

Per 14 CFR 61.35, before sitting for the exam, you’ll need an endorsement from your instructor or a qualifying home-study course.

Our Commercial Pilot Ground School comes with that endorsement. We even make the guarantee that if you don’t pass on your first try, we’ll refund the course and send you $175 for the exam fee!

Step 4: Build Your Hours and Complete Flight Training

If you train under Part 61, you’ll need to collect at least 250 hours of total flight time. Those 250 hours are further split into different required operations, as described in 14 CFR 61.129. The full breakdown is in our guide to the commercial pilot requirements.

20 hours go to commercial training on the required areas of operation. It covers instrument work, time in a complex or technically advanced airplane, day and night cross-countries, and dedicated checkride prep.

Another 10 hours must be solo or spent performing the duties of pilot-in-command.

On the other hand, Part 141 requires 120 hours of commercial flight training at an approved flight school, per 14 CFR 141 Appendix D.

Adding 35 hours in private, plus 35 in instrument, plus 120 in commercial, works out to 190 total flight hours. But if any of those stages were done under Part 61, then the 190 total doesn’t apply. Your school would have to plan your path around the 120-hour commercial requirement.

As you’re building your hours, you’ll also be in the stage where you learn the signature commercial maneuvers.

These are the steep turns, chandelles, lazy eights, steep spirals, eights on pylons, and power-off 180 accuracy landings.

We’ll give you valuable tips and talk about the marks you need to meet in our commercial maneuvers guide.

Step 5: Pass the Commercial Checkride

Your final challenge is the commercial checkride. It comes in two parts: the oral exam and the flight portion.

You’ll be doing both with either a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) or an FAA inspector. They will evaluate your performance against the Commercial Pilot Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-7B, effective May 31, 2024).

But before that, you’ll need to have passed your knowledge test, and have your 14 CFR 61.39 endorsements in hand.

Don’t forget to save three flight hours within two calendar months before your checkride schedule. 14 CFR 61.129 specifically requires this.

With the additional maneuvers at the commercial level, and with the amount of responsibility you’ll be taking on, you can expect the examiner to thoroughly test your mettle.

Our checkride prep course offers insight from an actual FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, which is sure to give you a valuable advantage when you get in the hot seat.

And finally, after all your hard work, pass this test, and the certificate is yours!

What Can You Do With a Commercial Pilot License?

You can act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft carrying persons or property for compensation or hire. That’s the general view of the privilege a CPL gives you.

Now, in truth, most paying work also requires the right operating certificate. The job has to fit the rules it’s flown under.

Plenty of entry-level commercial pilot jobs sidestep the need for an air carrier certificate because they fall under the exceptions in 14 CFR 119.1(e) and operate under Part 91.

Just some of the opportunities you’d get to enjoy are flight instructing (once you add a CFI), banner towing, aerial photography and survey, pipeline patrol, jump flights for skydivers, and ferry flights.

We’d also like to clear up a common misconception. A commercial certificate does qualify you to fly Part 135 charter work. For instance, with an IR and other appropriate ratings, you can serve as second-in-command under 14 CFR 135.245.

But when you’re flying as pilot-in-command, you’ll also have to meet the experience thresholds in 14 CFR 135.243. That’s 500 hours for VFR pilot-in-command and 1,200 hours for IFR, among many other requirements.

Commercial Pilot Limitations

What you can’t do just yet is fly for an airline. Scheduled operations under Part 121 require an ATP certificate for both captains and first officers, per 14 CFR 121.436.

Still, your commercial certificate is a fundamental stepping stone toward every one of those later jobs.

Now, without an instrument rating, your commercial pilot privileges will carry the 14 CFR 61.133(b) limitation. You won’t be able to carry passengers for hire on cross-country flights over 50 nautical miles, or at night.

But once you earn your IR, that limitation gets removed.

How Much Do Commercial Pilots Make?

Pilot salaries will vary widely depending on the kind of flying you’ll be doing.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, commercial pilots had a median salary of $123,220 in May 2025, while airline pilots earned a median of $232,140.

New pilots, such as flight instructors, typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 a year.

Make of that what you will, but just remember that as you stack up your hours and add ratings, your income is also likely to climb.

Pilots at the top of the field can surpass $300,000, which is a very aspirational number indeed.

How Much Does a Commercial Pilot License Cost?

If you go for Part 141, a standalone CPL course costs around $25,000. If you’re training as part of an undergraduate program, flight training fees from zero to CPL-IR could go for around $85,000.

Under Part 61, training for the CPL costs somewhere around $25,000 for a portion of the experience requirements. The remaining flight expenses to get to 250 flight hours will be at your own discretion.

Now, there’s no singular dollar amount for the cost of pilot training. It’ll depend on many variables like your location, the flight school or training facility you’re going to, the aircraft, and how many hours you’ve already flown.

But to give you an idea, allow us to give you some (very) rough estimates for the commercial pilot license cost as of 2026.

(2026 estimates. Prices vary; ask your flight school for a current quote.)

Part 141 Training and College Programs

If you’re picking up right after earning your private certificate and IR, budget around $25,000 for a standalone Commercial Single-Engine Land (CSEL) course at a Part 141 school.

That’s the typical overall amount, including ground school, simulator training, and stage check fees.

A Part 141 school would usually credit prior experience if the previous training program is FAA-approved. Your training plan (and therefore, your fees) would be subject to the school’s evaluation.

Other programs incorporate flight training as part of a college degree, where you could train toward a CPL-IR on top of an undergrad diploma.

Starting from zero hours, the flight training portion could cost around $85,000 (not including other required academic units).

Part 61 Training

Now, as for Part 61 training, the cost runs at around $25,000. Take note that this amount usually only covers the flight training portion of the total experience requirements. It also assumes that you already have PPL and an instrument rating.

Therefore, you’ll fly the rest of the 250 hours on your own dime at your own call. Remember that Part 61 is very customizable, which means where and how you fly will mostly be up to you.

Pilots usually rent or purchase an aircraft, and build those hours at their own pace. Plenty of others find flying clubs to be incredibly cost-efficient.

You can also split the bill when you fly with other pilots, or even with friends and family, but you’ll need to pay for your own share of the expenses.

All of these options and possibilities can easily get overwhelming. We understand, which is why we made a guide on how to budget for flight training, so you can map out the right (and most economical) training path for you.

Miscellaneous Fees

On top of all that, you’ll also have to account for those expenses outside of school. There’s the FAA knowledge test fee, the examiner’s (DPE) fee for your practical test, and your second-class medical exam with an AME.

You’ll likely also need new pilot equipment, food, and transportation and/or housing.

Also, keep in mind that the figures above are published estimates by flight schools, and most assume you train close to the legal minimums.

The truth is that most pilots take longer than the legal floor before they’re ready for the checkride. Account for an extra buffer on those hours, just to be safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Get a Commercial Pilot License Without an Instrument Rating?

Yes. Under Part 61 training, you can earn and hold a commercial certificate without an instrument rating, but it comes with the limitation in 14 CFR 61.133(b). You can’t carry passengers for hire on cross-country flights beyond 50 nautical miles, or at night.

But once you do earn an Instrument Rating, that restriction gets lifted, which opens up a lot more opportunities for paid work.

Can You Fly for an Airline With a Commercial Pilot License?

Not for a scheduled airline, no. If your goal is to fly for a Part 121 carrier, you’re going to need an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.

Generally, you’ll have to collect at least 1,500 hours of flight time. However, Restricted ATP (R-ATP) allows qualifying military or degree-holding pilots to start with fewer.

The nearer paid opportunity is Part 135 charter flying, which you can do on a commercial certificate once you meet its experience thresholds.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Commercial Pilot License?

It depends on your pace and your starting point, but most people get there somewhere between several months of focused full-time training and about two years training part-time.

How much flight time you already have logged honestly makes a big difference. For a realistic stage-by-stage estimate, you can go check our guide on the commercial pilot timeline.

Does a Commercial Pilot License Expire?

No. A pilot certificate issued under Part 61 comes with no expiration date, per 14 CFR 61.19. Your commercial certificate is yours for good.

What you do have to keep up is currency. You’ll need to do a flight review every 24 calendar months.

And while your commercial certificate doesn’t expire, your medical certificate does. How long your medical certificate is valid will depend on factors like your age and the operation you’ll be flying.

Is the Commercial Pilot Written Test Hard?

To answer this question, we’ll need to look at the numbers. The exam has been seeing a very encouraging pass rate, with a five-year average of around 98.25 percent from 2021 to 2025.

Within that time frame, candidates have had a mean score of around 89.35. We calculated these averages from data in the FAA Airman Knowledge Test Statistics.

Now, we’re not telling you that the exam is guaranteed to be a breeze, so don’t take it as a sign to just show up and hope for the best.

Statistics like these are made from hours of diligent study by applicants seeking to demonstrate their capacity as professionals. Use that as your north star on the knowledge test.

Conclusion

With a commercial pilot license in your wallet, you can finally take the money and fly your pal to their lake cabin. But just remember, the lake cabin trip still needs the right setup.

If your friend owns the airplane and hires you as the pilot, that can work under Part 91. However, selling them a ride in an airplane you provide is a Part 135 charter.

As we discussed how to get a commercial pilot license, we hope you can now see how to turn flying from an expense into a source of income.

So, what’s the next move? Pilot Institute’s free Ultimate Pilot Guide will help you map it out, which makes the decision-making process as simple as it’s supposed to be.