Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AL Board of Transportation
Commercial Pilot Licensing in Alabama
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for commercial pilot in Alabama, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Commercial Pilot in Alabama
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Any conviction is prohibited.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
This applicant should meet the minimum age requirement, depending on the certificate or license desired
- Training, education, and experience will vary for each certificate or license, but will be consistent with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
- 6
In general, there are training requirements, flight hours, written and practical tests, and medical requirements.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certificate or license desired
- Training, education, and experience will vary for each certificate or license, but will be consistent with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) r
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Federal Aviation Administration
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$106,840 median (13% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#30 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (This applicant should meet the minimum age requirement, depending on the certificate or license desired; Training, education, and experie...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Any conviction is prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Any conviction is prohibited.; This applicant should meet the minimum age requirement, depending on the certificate or license desired; Training, education, and experie...).
- 6. Submit the application to Federal Aviation Administration and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Alabama
With a median salary of $106,840, Commercial Pilots in Alabama earn 13% below the national median of $122,670. Alabama ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,201Median annual salary
$106,840Hourly estimate
$51.3713% below national median
Difference: -$15,830
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCommercial Pilot Salary Ranking
#30 of 50 statesfor Commercial Pilot median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New Jersey | $229,820 |
| #2 | Connecticut | $227,140 |
| #3 | New York | $172,500 |
| #4 | Texas | $162,930 |
| #5 | Delaware | $155,640 |
Nearby States Comparison
Commercial Pilot licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $106,840 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $119,330 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $139,350 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Florida | $130,530 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $99,920 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Florida | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Federal Aviation Administration
1500 Urban Center Drive, Suite 250, Vestavia Hills, AL, 35242
Phone: 2058761300
Related Careers in Alabama
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $50,120 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $86,780 | Varies by state board | 2-18 years |
| Anesthesiologist | $323,940 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Commercial Pilot in Alabama?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Commercial Pilots in Alabama?
Alabama lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Commercial Pilots.
What education do you need to become a Commercial Pilot in Alabama?
The board typically expects Degree required for Commercial Pilot licensure in Alabama.
What is the typical Commercial Pilot salary in Alabama?
The median annual salary for Commercial Pilots in Alabama is $106,840. Salaries range from $50,700 (10th percentile) to $138,380 (90th percentile).
How does the Commercial Pilot salary in Alabama compare to the national average?
Commercial Pilots in Alabama earn 13% below the national median of $122,670, with a state median of $106,840.
How many Commercial Pilots work in Alabama?
Alabama employs approximately 1,140 Commercial Pilots according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Commercial Pilot license to Alabama from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Commercial Pilots in Alabama?
The licensing agency is Federal Aviation Administration. Review agency details at https://www.faa.gov/.
How often do you renew a Commercial Pilot license in Alabama?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.