Montana requires a state-level commercial pilot license. The licensing authority is Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The median salary is $129,244 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
Montana requires a commercial pilot to hold a state license. Fly aircraft for compensation — charter flights, aerial photography, crop dusting, and airline transport. Licensing is administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | FAA-approved flight training (250+ flight hours) + ground school |
| Experience Details | FAA-approved flight training (250+ flight hours) + ground school |
Montana requires passing the Montana FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge + Practical Test with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $175.
| Exam Name | Montana FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge + Practical Test |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge + Practical Test |
| Application Fee | $175 |
Getting licensed as a commercial pilot in Montana takes 24 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $175 and renewal fees of $175 every 2 years.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $175 |
| License Renewal | $175 every 2 years |
Commercial Pilots in Montana earn a median salary of $129,244, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in Montana |
| National average | $134,630 |
Yes — Montana requires a state-level commercial pilot license. Fly aircraft for compensation — charter flights, aerial photography, crop dusting, and airline transport.
The required exam is the Montana FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge + Practical Test. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $175.
The median annual salary for commercial pilots in Montana is $129,244. The national median is $134,630.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 24 months including experience requirements.