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Verified by NY Board of Transportation

Commercial Pilot Licensing in New York

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for commercial pilot in New York, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Commercial Pilot in New York

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: Vision test required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    For more information contact the state DMV or https://cms.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/how-do-i-get-commercial-drivers-license.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • centrally

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Motor Vehicles

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $172,500 median (41% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #3 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet New York eligibility requirements for Commercial Pilot licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Motor Vehicles and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in New York

With a median salary of $172,500, Commercial Pilots in New York earn 41% above the national median of $122,670. New York ranks #3 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,739

Median annual salary

$172,500

Hourly estimate

$82.93
41% above national median

Difference: +$49,830

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$72,710
  • P2525th percentile$123,220
  • P50Median$172,500
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $172,500
National: $122,670

Total employment: 1,070 | Annual openings: N/A

Commercial Pilot Salary Ranking

#3 of 50 statesfor Commercial Pilot median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New Jersey$229,820
#2Connecticut$227,140
#3New York$172,500
#4Texas$162,930
#5Delaware$155,640

Nearby States Comparison

Commercial Pilot licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
New York$172,500No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Vermont$95,660Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Massachusetts$137,150No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Connecticut$227,140No educational requirementsState-approved examVaries by board
New Jersey$229,820Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$129,540No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
New York54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Vermont54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Massachusetts54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Connecticut78HighBoard-specific review required.
New Jersey54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania54LowState-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

Department of Motor Vehicles

See official licensing board website

Phone: N/A

Related Careers in New York

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Truck Driver (CDL)$60,520Specific course requiredVaries by board
Acupuncturist$93,610Varies by state boardVaries by board
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$93,200No educational requirementsVaries by board
Anesthesiologist$215,740Degree required3 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Commercial Pilot in New York?

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 New York?

New York lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Commercial Pilots.

What education do you need to become a Commercial Pilot in New York?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Commercial Pilot licensure in New York.

What is the typical Commercial Pilot salary in New York?

The median annual salary for Commercial Pilots in New York is $172,500.

How does the Commercial Pilot salary in New York compare to the national average?

Commercial Pilots in New York earn 41% above the national median of $122,670, with a state median of $172,500.

How many Commercial Pilots work in New York?

New York employs approximately 1,070 Commercial Pilots according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Commercial Pilot license to New York 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 New York?

The licensing agency is Department of Motor Vehicles. Review agency details at http://www.dmv.ny.gov/.

How often do you renew a Commercial Pilot license in New York?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.