How to Become a Pilot in Utah (2026)
Utah employs about 1,880 pilots earning a median $174,590 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, Utah employs approximately 1,880 workers in the related “Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers” category (SOC 53-2011), with a median annual wage of $174,590 1. The state’s concentration of jobs in this category is 1.62x 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 Utah, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
A note on salary data: The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track pilot salaries as a separate category. The wage figures on this page are based on the closest matching BLS classification: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers (SOC 53-2011). Actual pilot earnings may vary.
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 (Utah): $174,590 per year (based on related “Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers” category) 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Pilot in Utah
How to become a Pilot in Utah? 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 Utah? 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 Utah? The BLS does not track pilot wages separately. Based on the related “Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers” category, the median annual wage in Utah is $174,590, with entry-level wages around $108,270 and experienced workers earning $433,330 or more 1.
How to Become a Pilot in Utah
- Get an FAA medical. See an Aviation Medical Examiner for the medical class your goal requires.
- 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.
- Solo, then pass the knowledge test. Meet FAA solo requirements, then pass the FAA knowledge test.
- 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 Utah
Pilots hold FAA certificates. Utah does not issue a pilot license. The path is medical, flight training, knowledge test, and checkride.
Typical path
Obtain an FAA medical.
Complete Part 61 or Part 141 training.
Pass the knowledge test and checkride.
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 Utah
Commercial Pilots Wages by Metro Area in Utah
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), commercial pilots wages in Utah vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City-Murray | 310 | $99,720 | $118,930 | $61,430 | $208,740 |
| Ogden | 60 | $107,600 | $119,410 | $60,930 | $168,370 |
| Provo-Orem-Lehi | 60 | $92,150 | $103,950 | $55,450 | $166,990 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for pilots in Utah? Utah employs approximately 1,880 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 Utah? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Utah.
How much do pilots earn in Utah compared to the national average? The median annual wage for pilots in Utah is $174,590 (based on the related “Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers” category), which is $52,010 below the national median of $226,600 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
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/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |