Airline and Commercial Pilots : Occupational Outlook Handbook
Airline pilots typically begin their careers as commercial pilots or flight instructors. Commercial pilots need a high school diploma or equivalent and a commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Airline pilots usually need a bachelor’s degree and also must have the FAA-issued Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
Source: Airline and Commercial Pilots : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics