Helicopter pilots can make good money, but their earnings vary. Experienced helicopter pilots can make $65,000 to $85,000 per year, and some make up to $100K and above. Helicopters commonly use aviation gasoline.
To become a helicopter pilot takes training and licenses. A private pilot’s license costs $10,000 to $15,000. A commercial license costs $18,000 to $20,000. You also need hangar space costing $1,500 to $3,000 per month. Fuel and advertising add more start-up costs.
The salary range for helicopter pilots is $80,148 to $121,547 per year. Pay depends on experience and type of flying. Helicopter pilots for offshore oil rigs can make generous salaries transporting workers. After gaining experience, commercial helicopter pilots can make $50,000 to $200,000 per year.
Owning a helicopter involves high costs for purchase, fuel, maintenance, and storage. But for some businesses and individuals, the time savings and flexibility of having your own helicopter makes it worthwhile.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a helicopter pilot is $77,200 annually. Location and experience impact salaries. Pilots in large cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco make good money.
Many people have dreamed their whole lives about flying helicopters for a living. Most people who do it love aviation and would not trade it for any other career.
If you want to fly helicopters, consider studying college math, physics, or aeronautical engineering. Helicopter pilots need algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. You will need good math skills to fly commercially.
As of May 31, 2019, the average salary of a helicopter pilot is $94,519 a year. The lowest-paid helicopter pilots make less than $39,430, while the highest-paid ones earn over $147,240. So you should certainly earn enough to live comfortably in an exciting and worthwhile job you love.