"I wanted to become a pilot to see the world, but I've come to appreciate the physical and mental discipline it requires as well as the constant training to master new skills and technology. I take the trust that passengers and crew place in me seriously, from every pre-flight checklist and through clear communication from the departure gate to the arrival gate. I have navigated through many tough situations throughout my career, so it's crucial to treat safety and every flight as important. The long hours and being away from my family are challenging, but I would not want to have any other job."

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Job Description

SOC Code: 53-2012

Commercial Pilots pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Monitor engine operation
• Record keeping
• Serves as a liaison
• Maintain vehicles
• Plan flight operations

General Work Activities:

• Mental Processes
  • Choose optimal transportation routes or speeds
  • Arrange maintenance activities
• Interacting With Others
  • Resolve issues affecting transportation operations
  • Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement
  • Coordinate flight control or management activities
  • Assist others during emergencies
• Information Input
  • Inspect aircraft or aircraft components
  • Inspect cargo to ensure it is properly loaded or secured
  • Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures
  • Test performance of aircraft equipment
• Work Output
  • Record operational details of travel

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

*All data is factual, but names, Images, and quotations have been adapted to protect the Identity of employees and businesses.

Job Statistics

 

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

• Midlands
• Upstate
• Greenville
• Trident
• Waccamaw
• Catawba

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• Global Medical Response
• NetJets IP, LLC
• Med-Trans Corporation
• FlightSafety International, Inc.
• FlightSafety International, Inc.
• Leroy Springs & Co., Inc.

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Related Occupations

• Air Traffic Controllers
• Airfield Operations Specialists
• Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
• Aviation Inspectors
• Locomotive Engineers
• Avionics Technicians

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2025

Learn More with SCWOS

SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) is the state’s largest job database and provides all of South Carolina's job postings from all major sites, including Monster and Career Builder, in one resource. SCWOS has thousands of positions listed by employers all over the state. To access SCWOS, visit jobs.scworks.org.

Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.