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500 Hour Pilot Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Aircraft Pilot 1-2

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$5.1K - $9.2K/mo

... 500 hours of recorded flight time. 2. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to check out on the model and types of ...

Aircraft Pilot 1-2

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$5.1K - $9.2K/mo

... 500 hours of recorded flight time. 2. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to check out on the model and types of ...

500 Hour Pilot information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$47.5K

$125.7K

$193K

How much do 500 hour pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for 500 hour pilot in Baton Rouge, LA is $125,711.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,000.00 and $148,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 500 hour pilot?

A 500 Hour Pilot job refers to entry-level pilot positions that require approximately 500 hours of total flight time. These roles often include jobs as pipeline patrol pilots, banner tow pilots, traffic watch pilots, or first officer positions in some regional or cargo operations. Many pilots seek these jobs to build hours toward the 1,500-hour requirement for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Opportunities vary by location and employer, but typically provide valuable flight experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 500 hour pilot?

A 500 Hour Pilot needs strong foundational flight skills, sound judgment, and at least 500 hours of documented flight experience, often alongside a current Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate. Proficiency with modern avionics, GPS navigation systems, and communication protocols is essential. Excellent situational awareness, attention to detail, and clear communication skills distinguish top pilots in this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient operations and foster trust within flight crews and among employers.

What typical career advancement opportunities are available for 500 hour pilots?

Many 500 Hour Pilots use this role as a stepping stone to advance their aviation careers, gaining vital flight hours and experience with complex operations or new types of aircraft. As you log more flying hours and demonstrate reliability, you may become eligible for higher-level positions such as First Officer with regional airlines, instructor roles, or specialized pilot jobs like aerial survey or medevac operations. Networking with industry professionals and consistently performing well can accelerate your progression. Employers often look for strong safety records and a proactive attitude when considering pilots for advancement.

What are popular job titles related to 500 Hour Pilot jobs in Baton Rouge, LA?

For 500 Hour Pilot jobs in Baton Rouge, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching 500 Hour Pilot jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for 500 Hour Pilot jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

Infographic showing various 500 Hour Pilot job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,711 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

Aircraft Pilot 1-2

State of Louisiana

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$5.1K - $9.2K/mo

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


State Of Louisiana rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 50 rated states


Job description

About this Job Job#FOR-140166-8.19.26-TW This position is located in the Office of Forestry, Aviation division, at the at the Oakdale Airport (KACP), LA, located in Allen Parish. Ready to make a difference in protecting Louisiana's forests. Join the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry as an Aircraft Pilot

This is a professional ASEL firefighting career. The candidate will be required to operate a Cessna 182 flying under visual (day & night) and instrument flight rules per the FAA's Commercial Pilot Airplane Airman Certification Standards (ACS) & Instrument Rating ACS. During visual daylight conditions the candidate will be required to orbit for extended durations over specified locations utilizing electronic and / or paper maps, communicating with ATC and ground crews via VHF & UHF radios at various altitudes, while maintaining situational awareness during firefighting activities.

Candidate Preference: Candidates should be current in an Airplane Single Engine Land (), should have an unexpired FAA First-class or Second-class medical certificate, and meet the minimum flight time requirements at the time of application. **Applicants MUST attach a copy of the front and back of your FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate or ATP Certificate, copy of both sides of your CFI Certificate (if applicable), copy of your FAA First-Class or Second-Class Medical Certificate, and if applicable, college transcripts to the employment application prior to the closing date of this job posting. ** Why Join Us.

Work in breathtaking natural settings Enjoy competitive pay and great benefits Make a real impact on the environment Be part of a passionate, supportive team LDAF cares about the well-being of its employees. We offer a fully employer-funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing valuable support and resources to help you and your household members thrive at work and at home. The EAP is also free for all members of your household.If you're ready to step up, stand out, and help safeguard our forests, apply today and start your next adventure

Minimum Qualifications Possession of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) first-class or second-class medical certificate and either of the following: 1. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot license with instrument rating with 500 hours of recorded flight time. 2.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to check out on the model and types of aircraft to be flown. Possession of appropriate ratings, waivers and/or certificates that may be required by the position to which the appointment is being made.

Job Specification The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here. Job Duties and Other Information Job Duties: Incumbent of this position will perform skilled technical aviation work in the operation of aircraft in providing fire patrol, freight and passenger service for the Office of Forestry, Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Work includes forest fire detection and suppression activities, forest insect and disease patrol and survey, transportation of various materials and supplies, and the transport of personnel engaged in various forestry activities.

Work is performed in accordance with rules and regulations for the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Supervision of this position is received from the LDAF Aircraft Fleet Command Pilot or an LDAF Aircraft Fleet Chief Pilot(s). Responsible for the operation of a single-engine airplane in wild land fire detection and suppression activities.

Responsible for reporting all wildfires located to the appropriate Office of Forestry dispatcher and/or the respective parish supervisor. During both routine and large fire operations, the pilot may be asked to provide information on the following fire suppression activities: Determining fire priority for multiple fire situations, directing crews to fire locations, directing initial suppression attack, directing fire crew(s) escape route from life threatening situations, etc.), assists ground crews with equipment maintenance, ground support, and mitigation program requirements. Responsible for detection and survey flights pertaining to insect and disease outbreaks; this involves flying a preset grid in order that a forester or other observer may make air observations for the purpose of pinpointing damaged forest areas on aerial maps

Determines the suitability of weather conditions and other factors related to safe flying; this includes the occasions when the incumbent is called upon to fly patrol when weather is below visual flight rule minimums due to smoke and/or haze. Will use own judgment on whether or not to fly. Required to participate in an Aviation Safety Continuing Education Program on a quarterly basis.

Required to be recertified each year by an approved agency check pilot. May assist the Office of Forestry Safety Coordinator for an assigned location. May assist the Office of Forestry Safety Coordinator for training, documentation, and audits associated with the Office of Forestry safety program.

Ensures that all fight records including flight plans are filed, updated, and maintained. Ensure that all aircraft maintenance, records, and equipment are up to date and available upon request for the aircraft that he/she is currently flying. Responsible for transporting administrative personnel and personnel engaged in forestry activities, as well as transport needed supplies and materials.

Other duties as may be assigned. Functional Requirements -Moderate light lifting, 30 pounds with occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds -Sit over a long period of time while on wildfire patrols -Frequent reaching above shoulder height -Occasional bending or kneeling -Climbing stairs and ladders -Walking and standing (8 hours) -Drive a vehicle for long periods of time to perform various duties Environmental Factors -Working indoors and outdoors -Excessive heat and humidity -Required to wear appropriate safety protection -Working around routine neighborhood residential and wild land hazards -Occasionally working in moderately cold temperatures for short periods of time -Exposed to smoke and dust All Currencies shall be maintained as the weather permits. The LDAF aircraft may be used for currencies.

1. A minimum of three takeoffs and landings during visual daylight hours shall be made within each 90 consecutive days of employment. 2.

A minimum of three takeoffs and landings during visual night hours shall be made to a full stop within each 90 consecutive days of employment. 3. A minimum of six instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, intercepting and tracking courses shall be completed within every 6 months of employment.

This may be simulated or actual. Another LDAF pilot may be a safety pilot. *Special consideration will be given to applicants who possess any of the following: High-Performance Endorsement Complex Endorsement Cessna 182 experience Garmin GTN 750 / GTN 650 experience Garmin G5 or EFIS-Electronic Flight Instrument experience Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) ASEL or Certified Instrument Flight Instructor ASEL Position-Specific Details: Appointment Type: Full-time, Probational Career Progression: This position may be filled as an Aircraft Pilot 1 or 2, depending on the level of experience of the selected applicant.

The starting annual salary for each level in this Career Progression Group is as follows: The starting salary for an Aircraft Pilot 1 is $61,422.00annually. The starting salary for an Aircraft Pilot 2 is $65,728.00 annually. Compensation: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience

Other Benefits: Aircraft Pilot 1 and 2 qualifies for an additional $1.73 per hour hazardous duty pay. Hazardous Duty Pay is only paid per hour worked. An LDAF vehicle and LDAF fuel card may be provided for transportation for work duties

The applicant must reside within a maximum of a 60-minute drive to their assigned work domicile (office) and their assigned hangar. An EKG is required yearly after employment if the pilot maintains a Second-class medical certificate. LDAF reimburses the Second-class medical certificate and EKG annually after employment.

LDAF may reimburse CFI renewals every 2 years after employment. Location: This position is located within the Office of Forestry, in Allen Parish. How To Apply: No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the "Apply" link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

*Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry strictly prohibits workplace harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, religion, national origin, military service, sickle cell trait, protected genetic information or other non-merit factor. LDAF also strictly prohibits employment decisions based upon or influenced by such factors. All candidates for hire must undergo drug screening.

This agency participates in the E-Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization. For further information about this vacancy, contact: Tiffany Waddell HR Analyst Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry 5825 Florida Blvd., Suite 1001 Baton Rouge, LA 70806 twaddell@ldaf.state.la.us


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About State of Louisiana

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Louisiana, based in Baton Rouge, LA, US, is not a traditional company per se, but a government body that oversees the administration of the state. As revealed on its official website, louisiana.gov, its wide range of services falls within public administration industry, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, environment conservation, and law enforcement. Founded in 1806, the State of Louisiana’s mission is to ensure a high quality of life for its residents by effectively managing public resources, enforcing laws, and fostering economic growth. Its most notable achievements include the successful implementation of its Coastal Master Plan, aimed at conserving Louisiana's extensive coastline, and the dramatic overhaul of its public education system.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baton Rouge, LA, US

Year founded

1812

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