Aviation Degree Programs in Boise City, ID (2026)
Quick answer: The Boise City metro employs about 120 commercial pilots (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and licensing is set at the state level, through the FAA and the flight schools you are considering.
Licensing
Licensing is a state matter, not a city one. Aviation is federally regulated rather than state licensed. The FAA issues pilot certificates and ratings, and the requirements are national and uniform - which makes this one of the few credentials on the site that does not vary by state. Programs may hold AABI accreditation, and some hold FAA authority that reduces the flight hours required for an airline transport certificate.
See the Idaho licensing and pay overview for the statewide picture, and confirm current requirements with the FAA and the flight schools you are considering.
Schools Near You
Schools in our database near this area, ranked by BOC Score. The list favors schools with a related program on record, but program availability and delivery format change, so confirm directly with any school that it currently offers the program you want.
We do not have campus-based schools on record within 250 miles of this area right now. School availability changes as programs open and close, and many programs in this field enroll online - see the main program page for options that are not tied to your location. Know a school we missed? Tell us.
What Commercial Pilots Earn in Boise City
Commercial Pilots in the Boise City area earn a median $130,900 per year, above the national median of $123,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Aviation Pay in Boise City, ID
| Metric | Boise City metro | Idaho | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $130,900 | $109,620 | $123,220 |
| 10th percentile | $74,480 | $64,300 | $58,850 |
| 25th percentile | $97,420 | $82,760 | $84,540 |
| 75th percentile | $186,150 | $174,750 | $190,440 |
| 90th percentile | $225,410 | $209,320 | $266,620 |
| Employment | 120 | 310 | 47,630 |
| Location quotient | 0.98 | - | 1.00 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Metro figures cover the Boise City, ID metropolitan statistical area.
What the Numbers Say About This Market
The Boise City median of $130,900 is above the national median of $123,220, and above the Idaho statewide median of $109,620 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The metro’s location quotient of 0.98 means commercial pilots are less concentrated here than in the average U.S. labor market (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Higher concentration generally means more employers competing for the same people, and an easier job change later.
Pilot employment concentrates around airline hubs, cargo operations and corporate aviation bases rather than following population.
Wage and employment figures describe the occupation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not the graduates of any particular program, and individual outcomes may vary. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible state board before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do commercial pilots make in Boise City?
The median annual wage for commercial pilots in the Boise City, ID metro area is $130,900, above the national median of $123,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
How many commercial pilots work in the Boise City area?
The Boise City, ID metro area employs about 120 commercial pilots (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do commercial pilots in Boise City need a license?
Licensing is handled at state level rather than by city. Aviation is federally regulated rather than state licensed. The FAA issues pilot certificates and ratings, and the requirements are national and uniform - which makes this one of the few credentials on the site that does not vary by state. Programs may hold AABI accreditation, and some hold FAA authority that reduces the flight hours required for an airline transport certificate. Confirm current requirements with the FAA and the flight schools you are considering.
Can I study aviation online from Boise City?
The academic portion of these programs is widely available online for working adults, while labs, clinical hours or supervised field work are completed in person. Check that the program's accreditation satisfies the FAA and the flight schools you are considering.
Is Boise City a better market than the rest of Idaho?
The Boise City metro median is $130,900 against a statewide median of $109,620 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Compare that gap with the difference in living costs before treating it as a raise.
Related
- Aviation degree programs in Idaho - statewide pay, licensing and metro comparison
- Aviation programs and how to choose one
- Aircraft Mechanic (FAA A&P) career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 - Commercial Pilots (SOC 53-2012), national, state and metropolitan estimates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024-34
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - education and licensing requirements
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.