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How to Get a Commercial Pilot License in Iowa

Commercial Pilot license requirements in Iowa — experience, exams, fees, reciprocity, and salary data from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Experience
— months
Exam Fee
$175
Passing Score
70%
Avg Salary
On This Page

Requirements

01
Commercial Pilot — Fly aircraft for compensation — charter flights, aerial photography, crop dusting, and airline transport.
Minimum Age18 years old
EducationFAA-approved flight training (250+ flight hours) + ground school
Experience DetailsFAA-approved flight training (250+ flight hours) + ground school

Exam Details

02
Exam NameIowa FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge + Practical Test
Passing Score70%
Code EditionFAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge + Practical Test
Application Fee$175

Preparing for the Iowa Commercial Pilot Exam?

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How to Apply

03
1
Register with the state
Register with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before beginning work.
2
Accumulate required experience
Complete — months of supervised work experience.
3
Apply for the exam
Submit your application and $175 fee through the state portal.
4
Pass the exam
questions, 70% to pass.
5
Receive your license
After passing, your license will be issued. Renew every 2 years.

Fees & Renewal

04
FeeAmount
Exam Application$175
License Renewal$175 every 2 years

Salary Data

06

Commercial Pilots in Iowa earn less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

25th Percentile
Median
$119,820
75th Percentile
Mean (average)— / year
Entry level (10th pct)
Top earners (90th pct)
Total employed— in Iowa
National average$134,630

Related

Data last verified April 2026. Requirements may change — always verify with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).