How to Become a Pilot in Alaska (2026)

Alaska employs about 1,350 pilots earning a median $232,140 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025; proxy category “Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers”). Training as a Pilot here means completing an FAA medical, flight training, solo, knowledge test, and checkride. Certificates are federal, not a state license.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Alaska employs approximately 1,350 workers in the related “Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers” category (SOC 53-2011), with a median annual wage of $232,140 ¹. The state’s concentration of jobs in this category is 6.21x the national average, indicating strong regional demand. Nationally, employment in this category is projected to grow 3.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 11,700 openings per year ². This page covers how to become a Pilot in Alaska, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.

At a Glance

• Training paths: FAA Part 61 or Part 141 flight school (find programs)
• Typical timeline: an FAA medical, flight training, solo, knowledge test, and checkride. Certificates are federal, not a state license
• Exam: FAA knowledge test and practical test (checkride)
• Median wage (Alaska): $232,140 per year (based on related “Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers” category) ¹

Quick Answers About How to Become a Pilot in Alaska

How to become a Pilot in Alaska? Complete an FAA medical, flight training, solo, knowledge test, and checkride. Certificates are federal, not a state license. Confirm credential rules with the program and employer.

How long does it take? Most people finish an FAA medical, flight training, solo, knowledge test, and checkride. Certificates are federal, not a state license. Confirm current hour totals with the program and employer.

Do I need a license in Alaska? Most states do not require a statewide occupational license. Employers typically expect FAA knowledge test and practical test (checkride). See the licensing section below.

What do pilots earn in Alaska? The BLS does not track pilot wages separately. Based on the related “Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers” category, the median annual wage in Alaska is $232,140, with entry-level wages around $59,130 and experienced workers earning $369,150 or more ¹.

How to Become a Pilot in Alaska

1. Get an FAA medical. See an Aviation Medical Examiner for the medical class your goal requires.
2. Train under Part 61 or Part 141. Complete ground and dual instruction at a flight school. This is not a registered apprenticeship and not a state licensing board path.
3. Solo, then pass the knowledge test. Meet FAA solo requirements, then pass the FAA knowledge test.
4. Pass the checkride and add ratings. Pass the practical test. Private is the entry certificate; instrument, commercial, and ATP are later ratings. Confirm current hour minimums with the FAA and your school, not a state board.

Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the program and employer before you enroll.

Pilot License Requirements in Alaska

Pilots hold FAA certificates. Alaska does not issue a pilot license. The path is medical, flight training, knowledge test, and checkride.

Typical path

1. Obtain an FAA medical.

2. Complete Part 61 or Part 141 training.

3. Pass the knowledge test and checkride.

4. Add ratings as your career requires.

Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the program and employer before you enroll.

Pilot Wages by Metro Area in Alaska

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for pilots in Alaska? Alaska employs approximately 1,350 workers in the related “Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers” category ¹. Nationally, employment in this category is projected to grow 3.9% from 2024 to 2034 ².

What training programs are available in Alaska? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Alaska.

How much do pilots earn in Alaska compared to the national average? The median annual wage for pilots in Alaska is $232,140 (based on the related “Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers” category), which is $5,540 above the national median of $226,600 according to BLS data ¹.

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