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Verified by TX Board of Transportation

Commercial Pilot Licensing in Texas

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

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Texas Department of Agriculture • Licenses and Registrations

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $162,930 median (33% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #4 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Texas 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: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Texas Department of Agriculture~Licenses and Registrations and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Texas

With a median salary of $162,930, Commercial Pilots in Texas earn 33% above the national median of $122,670. Texas ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,420

Median annual salary

$162,930

Hourly estimate

$78.33
33% above national median

Difference: +$40,260

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$63,140
  • P2525th percentile$103,800
  • P50Median$162,930
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $162,930
National: $122,670

Total employment: 5,030 | Annual openings: N/A

Commercial Pilot Salary Ranking

#4 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
Texas$162,930No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$108,200No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$84,140No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Louisiana$120,710No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
New Mexico$85,140No 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
Texas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Louisiana54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Mexico54LowState-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

Texas Department of Agriculture • Licenses and Registrations

PO Box 12847, Austin, TX, 78711

Phone: 8775422474

Related Careers in Texas

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Truck Driver (CDL)$53,070Specific course requiredVaries by board
Acupuncturist$82,170Specific course requiredVaries by board
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$80,320No educational requirementsVaries by board
Anesthesiologist$203,450Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Texas?

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

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

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

What is the typical Commercial Pilot salary in Texas?

The median annual salary for Commercial Pilots in Texas is $162,930.

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

Commercial Pilots in Texas earn 33% above the national median of $122,670, with a state median of $162,930.

How many Commercial Pilots work in Texas?

Texas employs approximately 5,030 Commercial Pilots according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Commercial Pilot license to Texas 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 Texas?

The licensing agency is Texas Department of Agriculture / Licenses and Registrations. Review agency details at https://www.texasagriculture.gov/LicensesRegistrations.aspx.

How often do you renew a Commercial Pilot license in Texas?

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