Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IN Board of Transportation
Commercial Pilot Licensing in Indiana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for commercial pilot in Indiana, 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 Indiana
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Physical Requirement: Vision test required.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
140 IAC 7-3-4 a) The application for a CDL or CDL learner's permit must include the applicant's: (1) full legal name, current residential address, and out-of-state address if the applicant is in Indiana to attend a truck driving training school
- (2) physical description including gender, height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- (3) date of birth
- (4) Social Security number, or verification of the applicant's ineligibility to receive a valid Social Security number with verification of identity and lawful status in the United States
- (5) signature
- (6) medical and physical qualification information that this article requires
- (7) out-of-state driver history, including, but not limited to, any and all operator, chauffeur, public passenger chauffeur, and commercial driver's licenses and permits, including the dates of such licenses and permits and state or states that issued them
- (8) complete criminal history, based on fingerprint analysis, including arrests and disposition for applicants applying for a hazardous materials endorsement
- and (9) certification that the information provided is true and accurate.
- 7
(b) A CDL holder must immediately submit an application to the bureau for an amended CDL upon changing his or her name or residential address.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certification that the information provided is true and accurate
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$96,730 median (21% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#45 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Indiana eligibility requirements for Commercial Pilot licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; 140 IAC 7-3-4 a) The application for a CDL or CDL learner's permit must include the applicant's: (1) full legal name, current residential...).
- 6. Submit the application to Bureau of Motor Vehicles and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Indiana
With a median salary of $96,730, Commercial Pilots in Indiana earn 21% below the national median of $122,670. Indiana ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,201Median annual salary
$96,730Hourly estimate
$46.5021% below national median
Difference: -$25,940
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCommercial Pilot Salary Ranking
#45 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $96,730 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $130,560 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $116,050 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $101,290 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $105,290 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Michigan | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kentucky | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
See official licensing board website
Phone: N/A
Related Careers in Indiana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $60,090 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $73,850 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $64,310 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $378,850 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Commercial Pilot in Indiana?
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 Indiana?
Indiana lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Commercial Pilots.
What education do you need to become a Commercial Pilot in Indiana?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Commercial Pilot licensure in Indiana.
What is the typical Commercial Pilot salary in Indiana?
The median annual salary for Commercial Pilots in Indiana is $96,730. Salaries range from $53,510 (10th percentile) to $163,580 (90th percentile).
How does the Commercial Pilot salary in Indiana compare to the national average?
Commercial Pilots in Indiana earn 21% below the national median of $122,670, with a state median of $96,730.
How many Commercial Pilots work in Indiana?
Indiana employs approximately 660 Commercial Pilots according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Commercial Pilot license to Indiana from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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 Indiana?
The licensing agency is Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Review agency details at http://www.in.gov/bmv/.
How often do you renew a Commercial Pilot license in Indiana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.