The International Student Blog

International students who study aviation in the United States have a number of career options available to them. They might choose to become flight instructors, private pilots, or commercial airline pilots. Working as a commercial airline pilot has many perks. Here are some of the best:

1. Salary
   According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2011, commercial airline pilots made a mean annual salary of $76,050, more than the $45,230 earned across all occupations at the same time. Although this is not as high as some people would expect, commercial airline pilots also get a number of benefits on top of their salaries.
2. Travel
   The most obvious benefit to working as a commercial airline pilot is the travel. As a commercial airline pilot, you will be able to tour the world (often staying in nice hotels while you do so). What’s more, you’ll be paid to do it!
3. Flexible Schedules
   On average, commercial airline pilots work about 225 hours each month. However, they are limited to about 1,000 flying hours per year. For this reason, many commercial airline pilot’s responsibilities include non-flight duties as flight scheduling, record keeping, and the arrangement of aircraft maintenance. Pilots can enjoy flexible working hours, as well as extended periods of time off. They can use this time off to take advantage of the travel benefits afforded to them.
4. Travel Perks
   Commercial airline pilots are given large discounts on personal air travel. Many are also given discounts on personal car rentals and hotel rooms. These benefits often extend to immediate family members, as well, and can be for life.
5. Other Benefits
   Commercial airline pilots are typically provided with free enrollment in a 401k savings plan by their employer and some companies even match employee contributions. Additionally, many pilots also receive comprehensive medical coverage for themselves and their families.

Airlines also provide their pilots with uniforms free of charge, so commercial airline pilots don’t have to worry about buying work clothes. While in the air or staying in hotels between travel legs, pilots generally eat for free or at a reduced price.

An additional benefit awarded to some commercial airline pilots, depending on which airline they work for, is an education gift-matching program that matches charitable donations to educational institutions dollar for dollar.

Of course these are the top 5 reasons to become a commercial airline pilot, but the sixth and most important reason for international student is for their love of flying! Find more on how you can pursue a degree in aviation.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 26th, 2013 at 8:00 am and is filed under International Student, International Student Study Section, Study in the USA. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Written by Bryanna Davis

Bryanna joined EIC in 2011 after returning to the United States from teaching English in China. Her interest in international education, sparked initially by her own study abroad experience in Wales, led her to the company. Bryanna is originally from Missouri and is a graduate from the University of Central Missouri.

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