High school students can enlist during their senior year and enter service after graduation. Others may delay entry because their desired job training is not immediately available or because they need time to arrange their personal affairs.

All branches of the Armed Forces require their members to be high school graduates or have equivalent credentials. For example, officers entering as military lawyers need a law degree. Leadership skills. Members of the Armed Forces work together to achieve their missions. Those who want to advance ranks need to be able lead others in the completion of assigned duties or missions.

Mental preparedness. Members of the Armed Forces must be mentally fit and able to handle stressful situations that can occur during military operations. Physical fitness. Members of the Armed Forces must be physically fit to participate in, or support, combat missions that may be difficult or dangerous.

Members of the Armed Forces must be ready and able to report for military assignments on short notice. Training for enlisted personnel. Newly enlisted members of the Armed Forces undergo initial-entry training, better known as basic training or boot camp. Basic training includes courses in military skills and protocols and lasts 7 to 13 weeks, including a week of orientation and introduction to military life. Basic training also includes weapons training, team building, and rigorous physical exercise designed to improve strength and endurance.

Following basic training, enlisted members attend technical schools for additional training that prepares them for a particular military occupational specialty. This formal training period generally lasts from 10 to 20 weeks. Training for certain occupations—nuclear power plant operator, for example—may take as long as a year. In addition to getting technical instruction, military members receive on-the-job training at their first duty assignment. Training for warrant officers.

All services except the U. Air Force have warrant officer programs. Selection to attend Warrant Officer Candidate School is highly competitive and is restricted to those who meet rank and length-of-service requirements. The only exception is the selection process for Army aviator warrant officers, a process that has no requirement of previous military service.

Training may last several weeks. Training for officers. Depending on the occupational specialty, members of the military may need to have and maintain civilian licenses or certifications. For example, officers serving as lawyers , also known as judge advocates , may need to have and maintain their state bar licenses to enter and remain in the U. Each branch of the military has different criteria for determining the promotion of personnel.

Criteria for promotion may include time in service and in grade, job performance, a fitness report, and passing scores on written exams. Enlisted personnel can be promoted to higher ranks, which may include serving in a supervisory position and being in charge of junior enlisted members.

Each military service may have other advancement opportunities for its enlisted personnel. The Army offers a direct enlistment option to become a warrant officer aviator. Officers can also be promoted to higher ranks, which may include the command of a military unit of both enlisted members and officers, or being in charge of an entire military base.

Basic pay is based on rank and time in service. Pay bands are the same for all branches. Members of the Armed Forces may receive additional pay based on their job assignment or qualifications. For example, they receive additional pay for foreign, hazardous, submarine, or flight duty, or for being medical or dental officers.

Retirement pay is generally available after 20 years of service. Military pay tables and information are available from the U.

In addition to receiving basic pay, members of the military are either housed free of charge on base or they receive a housing allowance. Members who serve for a certain number of years may receive other benefits. These benefits may include educational benefits through the Montgomery GI Bill, which pays for a portion of educational costs at accredited institutions; medical care at military or the U.

Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals; and guaranteed home loans. The goal of the Armed Forces is to maintain a force sufficient to deter, fight, and overcome various threats or conflicts in multiple regions at the same time. Emerging conflicts and global events, however, could lead to changes in the size of the military branches. The military employs people in numerous occupational specialties, many of which are similar to civilian occupations.

Each of the military services publishes handbooks, fact sheets, and pamphlets describing its entrance requirements, its training opportunities, and other aspects of military careers. These publications are available at all recruiting stations; at most state employment service offices; and in high schools, colleges, and public libraries. Air Force. Air National Guard.

Army National Guard. Coast Guard. Marine Corps. In addition, the Defense Manpower Data Center, an agency of the Department of Defense , maintains a website that provides information and resources for parents, educators, and young adults who are curious about joining military service. To see the information, visit. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. Last Modified Date: Wednesday, September 8, The What They Do tab describes the typical duties and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including what tools and equipment they use and how closely they are supervised.

This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties. The Work Environment tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face.

The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation. The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses.

Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.

The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile. The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Additional training needed postemployment to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation. Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.

The employment, or size, of this occupation in , which is the base year of the employment projections. The projected percent change in employment from to The average growth rate for all occupations is 8 percent. Menu Search button Search:. Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment.

Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. Industrial engineers devise efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or provide a service. Marine engineers and naval architects design, build, and maintain ships, from aircraft carriers to submarines and from sailboats to tankers.

Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products. Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices. Mining and geological engineers design mines to safely and efficiently remove minerals for use in manufacturing and utilities. Nuclear engineers research and develop the processes, instruments, and systems used to derive benefits from nuclear energy and radiation. Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings.

Civil engineering technologists and technicians help civil engineers plan, design, and build infrastructure and development projects. Environmental engineering technologists and technicians implement the plans that environmental engineers develop. Industrial engineering technologists and technicians help engineers solve problems affecting manufacturing layout or production. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture machines and other devices.

Market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. Surveying and mapping technicians collect data and make maps of the Earth' surface. Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes. Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites.

Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems. Epidemiologists are public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury. Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy. Chemists and materials scientists study substances at the atomic and molecular levels and analyze the ways in which the substances interact with one another.

Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth. Survey researchers design and conduct surveys and analyze data. Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments.

Sociologists study society and social behavior. Urban and regional planners develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities. Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans. Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.

Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments. Chemical technicians use special instruments and techniques to assist chemists and chemical engineers. Geological and hydrologic technicians support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources. Nuclear technicians assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research and nuclear energy production. Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination.

Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors provide treatment and advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, or other mental or behavioral problems.

School counselors help students develop academic and social skills. Career counselors and advisors help people choose a path to employment. Marriage and family therapists help people manage and overcome problems with family and other relationships. Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities live independently. Social workers help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives.

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Social and human service assistants provide client services in a variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work.

Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes. Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers. Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level. Preschool teachers educate and care for children younger than age 5 who have not yet entered kindergarten.

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects in order to prepare them for future schooling.

Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grades. Career and technical education teachers instruct students in various technical and vocational subjects, such as auto repair, healthcare, and culinary arts. Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.

Adult basic and secondary education and ESL English as a Second Language teachers instruct adults in fundamental skills, such as reading and speaking English. They also help students earn their high school equivalency credential. Archivists and curators oversee collections of historic items or artwork.

Museum technicians and conservators prepare or restore items in museum collections. Librarians and library media specialists help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use. Library technicians and assistants help librarians with all aspects of running a library.

Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness. Teacher assistants work with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and instruction. Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions.

Special effects artists and animators create images that appear to move and visual effects for various forms of media and entertainment. Industrial designers combine art, business, and engineering to develop the concepts for manufactured products. Fashion designers create clothing, accessories, and footwear. Floral designers arrange live, dried, and silk flowers and greenery to make decorative displays. Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.

Interior designers make indoor spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential and decorative items. Actors express ideas and portray characters in theater, film, television, and other performing arts media. Producers and directors create motion pictures, television shows, live theater, commercials, and other performing arts productions. Athletes and sports competitors participate in organized, officiated sporting events to entertain spectators.

Coaches teach amateur or professional athletes the skills they need to succeed at their sport. Umpires, referees, and other sports officials preside over competitive athletic or sporting events to help maintain standards of play. Dancers and choreographers use dance performances to express ideas and stories.

Music directors lead musical groups during performances and recording sessions. Composers write and arrange original music in a variety of musical styles. Musicians and singers play instruments or sing for live audiences and in recording studios. Announcers present music, news, and sports and may provide commentary or interview guests. News analysts, reporters, and journalists keep the public updated about current events and noteworthy information.

Editors plan, review, and revise content for publication. Technical writers prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily.

Writers and authors develop written content for various types of media. Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language. Broadcast, sound, and video technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for media programs. Photographers use their technical expertise, creativity, and composition skills to produce and preserve images.

Film and video editors and camera operators manipulate moving images that entertain or inform an audience. Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Optometrists diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes.

Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance. Physician assistants practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers. Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.

Registered nurses RNs provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions. Occupational therapists treat patients who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain. Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by administering radiation treatments.

Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, from a chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema.

Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health.

Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances. Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including oral hygiene.

Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists operate special imaging equipment to create images or to conduct tests.

Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs for imaging or treatment. Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. Emergency medical technicians EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.

Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals. Surgical technologists assist in surgical operations.

Medical records and health information specialists organize, manage, and code health information data. Opticians help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists.

Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians collect data on and analyze many types of work environments and work procedures. Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.

Home health and personal care aides monitor the condition of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities. Nursing assistants provide basic care and help patients with activities of daily living. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas.

Psychiatric technicians and aides care for people who have mental illness and developmental disabilities. Occupational therapy assistants and aides help patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Physical therapist assistants and aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists.

Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. Dental assistants provide patient care, take x rays, keep records, and schedule appointments. Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in hospitals, offices of physicians, and other healthcare facilities.

Medical transcriptionists listen to voice recordings that physicians and other healthcare workers make and convert them into written reports. Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies involving life, property, or the environment. Correctional officers oversee those who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison.

Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who maintain safety and order in courtrooms. Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes. Private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters. Security guards and gambling surveillance officers patrol and protect property from illegal activity.

Chefs and head cooks oversee the daily food preparation at restaurants and other places where food is served. Cooks prepare, season, and cook a wide range of foods. Food preparation workers perform many routine tasks under the direction of cooks, chefs, or food service managers. Bartenders mix drinks and serve them directly to customers or through wait staff. Food and beverage serving and related workers take and prepare orders, clear tables, and do other tasks associated with providing food and drink to customers.

Waiters and waitresses take orders and serve food and beverages to customers in dining establishments. Janitors and building cleaners keep many types of buildings clean, orderly, and in good condition. Pest control workers remove unwanted pests that infest buildings and surrounding areas. Grounds maintenance workers ensure that the grounds of houses, businesses, and parks are attractive, orderly, and healthy.

Animal care and service workers attend to or train animals. Gambling services workers serve customers in gambling establishments, such as casinos or racetracks. Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists provide haircutting, hairstyling, and a range of other beauty services. Manicurists and pedicurists clean, shape, and beautify fingernails and toenails.

Flight attendants provide routine services and respond to emergencies to ensure the safety and comfort of airline passengers.

Fitness trainers and instructors lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities. Recreation workers design and lead activities to help people stay active, improve fitness, and have fun.

Cashiers process payments from customers purchasing goods and services. Advertising sales agents sell advertising space to businesses and individuals. Insurance sales agents contact potential customers and sell one or more types of insurance. Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations.

Models pose for artists, photographers, and other clients to help advertise products. Real estate brokers and sales agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties.

Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses. Bill and account collectors try to recover payment on overdue bills. Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks produce financial records for organizations and check financial records for accuracy. Tellers are responsible for accurately processing routine transactions at a bank.

Customer service representatives interact with customers to handle complaints, process orders, and answer questions. Receptionists do tasks such as answering phones, receiving visitors, and providing information about their organization to the public.

Police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers, also called public safety telecommunicators, answer emergency and nonemergency calls. Postal service workers sell postal products and collect, sort, and deliver mail. Secretaries and administrative assistants perform routine clerical and administrative duties.

Desktop publishers use computer software to design page layouts for items that are printed or published online. Agricultural workers maintain crops and tend livestock. Fishing and hunting workers catch and trap various types of animal life.

Masonry workers use bricks, concrete and concrete blocks, and natural and manmade stones to build structures. Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.

Flooring installers and tile and stone setters lay and finish carpet, wood, vinyl, tile, and other materials. Construction laborers and helpers perform many tasks that require physical labor on construction sites. Construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, buildings and other structures. Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings.

Tapers prepare the wallboard for painting, using tape and other materials. Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in buildings.

Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, large machinery and equipment, and bridges and other structures. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair piping fixtures and systems.

Roofers replace, repair, and install the roofs of buildings. Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.

Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers install, maintain, and fix elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts. Hazardous materials removal workers identify and dispose of harmful substances such as asbestos, lead, and radioactive waste.

Automotive body and glass repairers restore, refinish, and replace vehicle bodies and frames, windshields, and window glass. Automotive service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.

Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses, trucks, or any vehicle with a diesel engine. Small engine mechanics inspect, service, and repair motorized power equipment.

General maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings. Line installers and repairers install or repair electrical power systems and telecommunications cables, including fiber optics. Medical equipment repairers install, maintain, and repair patient care equipment.

Assemblers and fabricators build finished products and the parts that go into them. Bakers mix ingredients according to recipes in order to make breads, pastries, and other baked goods. Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.

Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools. Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join, repair, or cut metal parts and products view profile ».

Woodworkers manufacture a variety of products such as cabinets and furniture, using wood, veneers, and laminates. Stationary engineers and boiler operators control stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment. Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.

Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers design, construct, adjust, repair, appraise and sell jewelry. Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians construct, fit, or repair medical appliances and devices. Airline and commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft to maintain safe distances between them.

Airline pilots may spend several nights a week away from home because flight assignments often involve overnight layovers. When pilots are away from home, the airlines typically provide hotel accommodations, transportation to the airport, and an allowance for meals and other expenses.

Commercial pilots also may have irregular schedules. Although most commercial pilots remain near their home overnight, some may still work nonstandard hours. Airline pilots typically begin their careers as commercial pilots. Commercial pilots must complete flight training, and some employers require or prefer applicants to have a bachelor's degree.

Interviews for positions with major and regional airlines may reflect the FAA exams for pilot licenses, certificates, and instrument ratings, and can be intense.

Airlines frequently conduct their own psychological and aptitude tests to assess the candidates in critical thinking and decision-making processes under pressure. Military pilots may transfer to civilian aviation and apply directly to airlines to become airline pilots.

Airline pilots typically start their careers flying as commercial pilots. Commercial pilots usually accrue thousands of hours of flight experience in order to get a job with regional or major airlines. The most common path to becoming a commercial pilot is to complete flight training with independent FAA-certified flight instructors or at schools that offer flight training.

Some flight schools are part of 2- and 4-year colleges and universities. The FAA certifies hundreds of civilian flight schools, which range from small fixed base operators FBO to state universities.

Some colleges and universities offer pilot training as part of a 2- or 4-year aviation degree. Airline and commercial pilots who are newly hired by airlines or on-demand air services companies undergo on-the-job training in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations FARs. This training usually includes several weeks of ground school and flight training. Various types of ratings for specific aircraft, such as the Boeing or Cessna Citation, typically are acquired through employer-based training and generally are earned by pilots who have at least a commercial license.

Besides initial training and licensing requirements, all pilots must maintain their experience in performing certain maneuvers.

This requirement means that pilots must perform specific maneuvers and procedures a given number of times within a specified amount of time. Pilots also must undergo periodic training and medical examinations, generally every year or every other year. Pilots usually gain flight experience as commercial pilots or in the military to get a job with regional or major airlines. Minimum time requirements to get a certificate or rating may not be enough to get some jobs.

To make up the gap between paying for training and flying for the major airlines, many commercial pilots begin their careers as flight instructors and on-demand charter pilots. These positions typically require less experience than airline jobs require.

When pilots have built enough flying hours, they can apply to the airlines. Those who are seeking a career as a professional pilot typically get their licenses and ratings in the following order:.

Each certificate and rating requires that pilots pass a written exam on the ground and a practical flying exam, usually called a check ride, in an appropriate aircraft. In addition to earning these licenses, many pilots get a certified flight instructor CFI rating after they get their commercial pilot certificate. The CFI rating helps them build flight time and experience quickly and at less personal expense.

Current licensing regulations can be found in FARs. Commercial pilot license. To qualify for a commercial pilot license, applicants must meet age and flight-hour requirements.

Student pilots use a logbook and keep detailed records of their flight time. The logbook must be endorsed by the flight instructor in order for the student to be able to take the FAA knowledge and practical exams.

Specific requirements, including details on the types and quantities of flight experience and knowledge needed, are provided in FARs. Applicants must pass the appropriate medical exam, meet all of the detailed flight experience and knowledge requirements, and pass a written exam and a practical flight exam in order to become commercially licensed.

Commercial pilots must hold an instrument rating if they want to carry passengers for pay more than 50 miles from the point of origin of their flight, or at night. Instrument rating. Pilots who earn an instrument rating can fly during periods of low visibility, also known as instrument meteorological conditions, or IMC. They may qualify for this rating by having at least 40 hours of instrument flight experience and 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command, and by meeting other requirements detailed in the FARs.

Airline transport pilot ATP certificate. All pilot crews of a scheduled commercial airliner must have ATP certificates. To earn the ATP certificate, applicants must meet certain requirements, such as for age, hours of flight, and written and practical exams. Airline pilots usually maintain one or more aircraft-type ratings, which allow them to fly aircraft that require specific training, depending on the requirements of their particular airline.

Pilots must pass periodic physical and practical flight examinations to be able to perform the duties granted by their certificate.

Commercial pilots may advance to airline pilots after completing a degree, accruing required flight time, and obtaining an ATP license. Advancement for airline pilots depends on a system of seniority outlined in collective bargaining contracts.

Communication skills. Pilots must speak clearly when conveying information to air traffic controllers and other crew members. They must also listen carefully for instructions. Observational skills. Pilots regularly watch over screens, gauges, and dials to make sure that all systems are in working order. They also need to maintain situational awareness by looking for other aircraft or obstacles. Pilots must be able to see clearly, be able to judge the distance between objects, and possess good color vision.

Problem-solving skills. Pilots must be able to identify complex problems and figure out appropriate solutions. When a plane encounters turbulence, for example, pilots assess the weather conditions and request a change in route or altitude from air traffic control.

Quick reaction time. Pilots must respond quickly, and with good judgment, to any impending danger. Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.

Source: U. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. In May , the median annual wages for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:.