Aviation Degree Programs in Rhode Island (2026)
Quick answer: Rhode Island employs about 80 commercial pilots (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and licensing runs through the FAA and the flight schools you are considering. Programs, the careers this degree opens, and what they pay are below.
Licensing and Credentials in Rhode Island
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.
Requirements are set at state level and are amended periodically. Before you enroll in any program, confirm with the FAA and the flight schools you are considering that the specific program you are considering satisfies the education requirement, and ask what it accepts from any training you have already completed. Get the answer in writing.
Earning the Degree While You Work
Most people reading this already have a job in the field, and the practical question is whether the credential can be earned without leaving it. Programs designed for working adults deliver the academic portion online or in the evening, while any labs, clinical hours or supervised field experience happen in person and locally. Prior college credit, military training, apprenticeship coursework and industry certifications can all shorten the path, so request a written transfer credit evaluation before you commit to any school.
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 for this exact 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 Rhode Island
Commercial Pilots in Rhode Island earn a median $98,820 per year, below the national median of $123,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Aviation Pay and Employment in Rhode Island at a Glance
| Metric | Rhode Island | National | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $98,820 | $123,220 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 10th percentile | $51,360 | $58,850 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 25th percentile | $66,180 | $84,540 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 75th percentile | $166,380 | $190,440 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 90th percentile | $273,060 | $266,620 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Employment | 80 | 47,630 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Location quotient | 0.52 | 1.00 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Projected change (2024-34) | not published by state | 5.1% | BLS Employment Projections, 2024-34 |
How Rhode Island Pay Compares to the Rest of the Country
The Rhode Island median of $98,820 sits below the national median of $123,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Percentiles matter more than the midpoint when you are deciding whether a degree pays for itself: the 10th percentile is roughly where people start, and the 90th is what the top of the local market looks like after years of experience.
A location quotient of 0.52 puts Rhode Island below the national average, so the occupation is less concentrated here than in the typical state. Expect a thinner local job market and fewer employers to move between (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The measure compares how concentrated the occupation is here against the national average of 1.00.
Where the Jobs Are in Rhode Island
| Metro area | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Providence | $106,510 | 80 |
Figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025. 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 Rhode Island?
The median annual wage for commercial pilots in Rhode Island is $98,820, below the national median of $123,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The middle of the range runs from $66,180 at the 25th percentile to $166,380 at the 75th.
How many commercial pilots work in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island holds about 80 commercial pilot jobs (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Nationally the occupation employs 47,630, and BLS projects about 6,600 openings per year through 2034 (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-34).
Do I need a license to work as a commercial pilot in Rhode Island?
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. Requirements are set at the state level and change periodically, so confirm the current rules with the FAA and the flight schools you are considering before you enroll in any program.
Can I earn a bachelor's in aviation or professional flight online while working in Rhode Island?
Often yes. Programs built for working adults deliver coursework online or in the evenings, though any required labs, clinical hours or supervised field experience are completed in person. Confirm that the program's accreditation satisfies the FAA and the flight schools you are considering.
What is the highest-paying area of Rhode Island for commercial pilots?
Among Rhode Island metro areas with published data, Providence reports the highest median at $106,510 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Is Rhode Island a good state for commercial pilots?
On pay, the state median of $98,820 sits below the national $123,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). A location quotient of 0.52 means the occupation is less concentrated here than in the average state. Weigh that against cost of living and how concentrated the work is near where you actually want to live.
Related Guides
- Aviation programs and how to choose one - the national guide to this degree
- Aircraft Mechanic (FAA A&P) career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
- Trade careers that require a 4-year degree
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/.