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Verified by ND Board of Transportation

Commercial Pilot Licensing in North Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for commercial pilot in North Dakota, 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 North Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: Physical exam required.

  5. 5

    Certification: Certification required.

  6. 6

    License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).

  7. 7

    For more information about the licensing process, including application and renewal fees, please check with the licensing authority.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    ND Aeronautics Commission

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $111,120 median (9% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #27 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work 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.; For more information about the licensing process, including application and renewal fees, please check with the licensing authority.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to ND Aeronautics Commission and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in North Dakota

With a median salary of $111,120, Commercial Pilots in North Dakota earn 9% below the national median of $122,670. North Dakota ranks #27 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,258

Median annual salary

$111,120

Hourly estimate

$53.42
9% below national median

Difference: -$11,550

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$60,070
  • P2525th percentile$80,460
  • P50Median$111,120
  • P7575th percentile$153,250
  • P9090th percentile$209,580

State vs National Median

State: $111,120
National: $122,670

Total employment: 230 | Annual openings: N/A

Commercial Pilot Salary Ranking

#27 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
North Dakota$111,120Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$117,960Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$75,740Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Montana$103,110Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Montana78HighBoard-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

ND Aeronautics Commission

PO Box 5020, Bismarck, ND, 58502

Phone: 7013289650

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in North Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Truck Driver (CDL)$58,970No educational requirementsVaries by board
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree requiredVaries by board
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$77,900Degree requiredVaries by board
AnesthesiologistN/ADegree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Commercial Pilot in North Dakota?

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 Dakota?

North Dakota 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 Dakota?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Commercial Pilot licensure in North Dakota.

What is the typical Commercial Pilot salary in North Dakota?

The median annual salary for Commercial Pilots in North Dakota is $111,120. Salaries range from $60,070 (10th percentile) to $209,580 (90th percentile).

How does the Commercial Pilot salary in North Dakota compare to the national average?

Commercial Pilots in North Dakota earn 9% below the national median of $122,670, with a state median of $111,120.

How many Commercial Pilots work in North Dakota?

North Dakota employs approximately 230 Commercial Pilots according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Commercial Pilot license to North Dakota 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 Dakota?

The licensing agency is ND Aeronautics Commission. Review agency details at https://aero.nd.gov/.

How often do you renew a Commercial Pilot license in North Dakota?

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