Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Transportation
Commercial Pilot Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for commercial pilot in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Commercial Pilot in Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Physical Requirement: Physical exam required.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation • Board for Branch Pilots
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$115,490 median (6% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#25 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Commercial Pilot licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation~Board for Branch Pilots and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $115,490, Commercial Pilots in Virginia earn 6% below the national median of $122,670. Virginia ranks #25 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$115,490Hourly estimate
$55.526% below national median
Difference: -$7,180
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCommercial Pilot Salary Ranking
#25 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $115,490 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $130,510 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $102,640 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 3 years |
| Kentucky | $101,290 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $119,330 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $126,740 | Specific course required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 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. |
| North Carolina | 56 | Medium | 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
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation • Board for Branch Pilots
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485
Phone: 8043678514
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $54,500 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $80,770 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $326,130 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Commercial Pilot in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Virginia lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Commercial Pilots.
What education do you need to become a Commercial Pilot in Virginia?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Commercial Pilot licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Commercial Pilot salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Commercial Pilots in Virginia is $115,490. Salaries range from $55,740 (10th percentile) to $226,420 (90th percentile).
How does the Commercial Pilot salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Commercial Pilots in Virginia earn 6% below the national median of $122,670, with a state median of $115,490.
How many Commercial Pilots work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 1,110 Commercial Pilots according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Commercial Pilot license to Virginia 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 Virginia?
The licensing agency is Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation / Board for Branch Pilots. Review agency details at https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Branch-Pilots/.
How often do you renew a Commercial Pilot license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.