Objective To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of degenerative disc disease (DDD) in pilots. Methods From January 2021 to May 2022, pilots were surveyed using a whole group sampling method and relevant imaging data were collected. The contents of the survey included basic information, DDD-related information, flight-related information, and personal habits. The prevalence of DDD was calculated, and univariate χ2 test, t-test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed for the diseased and healthy groups to screen the risk factors of DDD. Results A total of 170 copies of questionnaire were sent out and 162 valid copies were returned. The prevalence of DDD was 47.5% (77/162), including 27.8% (45/162) for cervical spondylosis, 29.6% (48/162) for lumbar disc herniation, and 3.1% (5/162) for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. The results of univariate analysis showed that body mass index (t=2.594, P=0.010), driving age (t=2.160, P=0.032), maximum load in flight (t=2.953, P=0.004), mean load in flight (t=2.575, P=0.011), insomnia (χ2=4.756, P=0.029) and smoking (χ2=7.977, P=0.005) were significantly different between the diseased group and the healthy group. Multivariate logistic regression showed that driving age [odds ratio (OR)=1.077, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.025, 1.132), P=0.004], maximum load in flight [OR=1.279, 95%CI (1.109, 1.475), P=0.001], helmet weight [OR=1.516, 95%CI (1.056, 2.175), P=0.024], insomnia [OR=2.235, 95%CI (1.114, 4.483), P=0.024], and smoking [OR=2.527, 95%CI (1.255, 5.087), P=0.009] were risk factors for DDD. Conclusions The prevalence of DDD is high in pilots. High driving age, high maximum load in flight, high helmet weight, insomnia, and smoking may be independent risk factors for DDD.