How to become an Aeroplane Pilot

Flies aeroplanes to transport passengers, mail and freight, or provide agricultural, aerial surveillance or other aviation services.

Main tasks

• Controls the positions of ailerons and elevators, and the thrust of engines, to determine the elevation, speed and direction of aeroplanes
• Operates controls and navigational instruments to fly the aeroplane safely and efficiently with the use of autopilot
• Takes off and lands aeroplanes on fixed runways
• Plans and records aeroplane flight operations, and completes flight documentation
• Performs pre-flight inspections of the aeroplane to ensure it complies with specifications
• Communicates with air traffic control, ground crew and other pilots to ensure safe and coordinated flight operations
• Performs emergency procedures and manoeuvres in response to in-flight emergencies or equipment malfunctions of the aeroplane
• May make announcements during the flight, and inform passengers about safety procedures and protocols

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Pilot in Command) (AVI60219); Diploma of Aviation (Chief Remote Pilot) (AVI59922); Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) (AVI50222); Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) (AVI50519)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $137,852 a year
• About 15,500 people work in this job group now, and about 17,600 are projected by 2035. (+13.7%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Air Traffic Controller
• Flight Instructor
• Helicopter Pilot

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Aeroplane Pilot?

Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Pilot in Command); Diploma of Aviation (Chief Remote Pilot).

How much does an Aeroplane Pilot earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $137,852 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Aeroplane Pilot a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2035, from about 15,500 to about 17,600 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Aeroplane Pilot?

Not always. 38% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Pilot in Command); Diploma of Aviation (Chief Remote Pilot).

Will AI change the work of an Aeroplane Pilot?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04