How to Become a Commercial Pilots in Florida
Commercial Pilots in Florida earn a median salary of $130,530/year, which is 6% above the national average. Florida has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a commercial pilots takes home approximately $6,919/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.
What a commercial pilots can afford in Florida
Becoming a commercial pilots in Florida
Meet education requirements
Commercial Pilots positions in Florida typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Florida. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many commercial pilots positions in Florida require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Florida licensure or certification
Florida may require specific licensing or professional certification for commercial pilotss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Florida Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Florida
Florida employs 6,100 commercial pilots. The highest concentrations are in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin and Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach.
Commercial Pilots salary by metro area in Florida
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | $181K | $/hr | 90 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | $158K | $/hr | 3,340 |
| Port St. Lucie | $153K | $/hr | 100 |
| Naples-Marco Island | $131K | $/hr | 190 |
| Jacksonville | $123K | $/hr | 260 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | $119K | $/hr | 310 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota | $116K | $/hr | 40 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent | $104K | $/hr | 100 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | $104K | $/hr | 730 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville | $100K | $/hr | 80 |
| Tallahassee | $94K | $/hr | 60 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | $81K | $/hr | 70 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor | $76K | $/hr | 50 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | $75K | $/hr | 90 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | $70K | $/hr | 70 |
Commercial Pilots salary range in Florida
Commercial Pilots careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a commercial pilots make in Florida?▼
The median commercial pilots salary in Florida is $130,530 per year ($null/hr). This is 6% above the national median of $122,670. Salaries range from $60,520 to $0.
What are the requirements to become a commercial pilots in Florida?▼
Commercial Pilots positions in Florida typically require No formal educational credential. Florida may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Florida licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a commercial pilots afford to live in Florida?▼
At the median salary of $130,530, a commercial pilots in Florida would take home approximately $8,331/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 16.9% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for commercial pilots in Florida?▼
The highest paying metro areas for commercial pilots in Florida are Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin ($180,790), Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach ($157,580), Port St. Lucie ($153,290). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Florida have state income tax for commercial pilots?▼
No, Florida does not have a state income tax. This means commercial pilots keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.