Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Transportation
Commercial Pilot Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for commercial pilot in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Federal Aviation Administration • Airmen Certification Branch • Licenses & Certificates
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$126,740 median (3% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#14 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Commercial Pilot licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Federal Aviation Administration~Airmen Certification Branch~Licenses & Certificates and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $126,740, Commercial Pilots in North Carolina earn 3% above the national median of $122,670. North Carolina ranks #14 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median annual salary
$126,740Hourly estimate
$60.933% above national median
Difference: +$4,070
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCommercial Pilot Salary Ranking
#14 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $126,740 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $115,490 | No educational requirements | Third-party 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 |
| South Carolina | $119,810 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | 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. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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 • Airmen Certification Branch • Licenses & Certificates
6425 South Denning Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK, 73169-6937
Phone: 8668782498
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $49,580 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $73,100 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $69,320 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $397,850 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Commercial Pilot in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
North Carolina lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Commercial Pilots.
What education do you need to become a Commercial Pilot in North Carolina?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Commercial Pilot licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Commercial Pilot salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Commercial Pilots in North Carolina is $126,740.
How does the Commercial Pilot salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Commercial Pilots in North Carolina earn 3% above the national median of $122,670, with a state median of $126,740.
How many Commercial Pilots work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 1,470 Commercial Pilots according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Commercial Pilot license to North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
The licensing agency is Federal Aviation Administration / Airmen Certification Branch / Licenses & Certificates. Review agency details at https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/.
How often do you renew a Commercial Pilot license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.