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Aerial Application Pilot Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Aerial Application Pilot information

See Michigan salary details

$25.7K

$68.8K

$121.6K

How much do aerial application pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial application pilot in Michigan is $68,803.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $88,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerial application pilot?

Aerial Application Pilots, also known as crop dusters, are trained professionals who operate aircraft to apply pesticides, fertilizers, or other substances to crops from the air. They play a crucial role in modern agriculture by efficiently covering large areas that may be difficult to treat with ground equipment. Their work helps protect crops from pests and diseases, enhance crop yields, and manage land more effectively. Aerial Application Pilots must have specialized training and certifications to ensure safety and environmental compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerial application pilot?

Aerial Application Pilots need a commercial pilot’s license, specialized training in agricultural aviation, and a strong understanding of crop management and pesticide regulations. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, precision application technology, and aircraft maintenance protocols is typically required. Exceptional decision-making, spatial awareness, and communication skills help pilots operate safely and efficiently under varied conditions. These competencies ensure accurate application, regulatory compliance, and safety for both the pilot and the environment.

What are some common challenges faced by aerial application pilots during peak spraying seasons?

Aerial Application Pilots often experience demanding workloads during peak spraying seasons, including early morning starts and long hours to take advantage of optimal weather conditions. Challenges include managing fatigue, adapting to rapidly changing weather, and maintaining precision while covering large acreages. Pilots must also closely coordinate with ground crews and landowners to ensure accurate application and compliance with safety regulations. Effective communication and attention to detail are essential to navigate these challenges and deliver successful results.

What is the difference between Aerial Application Pilot vs Crop Duster Pilot?

AspectAerial Application PilotCrop Duster Pilot
CredentialsCommercial pilot license, specific aerial application certificationCommercial pilot license, aerial application certification
Work EnvironmentFarms, orchards, forestry areasFarms, orchards, forestry areas
Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in agriculture and pest controlPrimarily used in agriculture for crop dusting

The terms Aerial Application Pilot and Crop Duster Pilot are often used interchangeably, as both roles involve flying aircraft to apply pesticides, fertilizers, or seeds over crops. The main difference lies in terminology rather than function, with both requiring similar certifications and working in similar environments within the agriculture industry.

What are popular job titles related to Aerial Application Pilot jobs in Michigan?

For Aerial Application Pilot jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aerial Application Pilot jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerial Application Pilot jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Aerial Application Pilot jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Aerial Application Pilot job openings:

Departmental Analyst (Trainee) 9 - P11 (Aircraft and UAS Registration Program Analyst)

State of Michigan

Lansing, MI • On-site, Remote

$25.85 - $40.51/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


State Of Michigan rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description This position serves as the aircraft and uncrewed aerial system (UAS) registration program analyst for the State of Michigan and the internal flight coordinator for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Aeronautics Air Transport Unit. This position ensures licensing and registration compliance via announced and unannounced field checks as well as collaboration between interoffice staff, Michigan Department of Treasury and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel and databases. Provides guidance of the Aeronautics Code to aircraft and UAS owners, develops policy and procedure recommendations for administering licensing and registration programs for existing and emerging aviation technology and infrastructure.

Coordinates with other state offices, personnel, and program developers to administer renewal processes to ensure they meet customer needs. This position also serves as the flight coordinator by scheduling pilots and aircraft as needed by approved entities as well as administering aviation safety & security compliance of the Air Transport Unit resources and locations. This position maintains unit data including regulatory, financial, and legislative reporting requirements.

The "Salary" listed above is a range that reflects the minimum rate at the entry (9) level through the maximum rate at the experienced (P11) level. Based on education and experience, candidates will be reviewed to determine what level they are qualified for. For additional information, please see the links below: Departmental Analyst (Trainee) 9-P11 Position Description All about MDOT Based on operational needs and within established limits, remote work and alternate work schedule requests for this position may be considered.

For information on benefits, visitwww.mi.gov/employeebenefitsorwww.mi.gov/orsstatedc. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S

and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award. Required Education and Experience Education for Departmental Analyst 9-P11 Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major.

Experience for Departmental Analyst 9-P11 Departmental Analyst 9 No specific type or amount is required. Departmental Analyst 10 One year of professional experience. Departmental Analyst P11 Two years of professional experience, including one year of experience equivalent to the intermediate (10) level in state service.

Education and Experience for Departmental Analyst (Departmental Trainee) 9 (FOR CLASSIFIED STATE EMPLOYEES ONLY) Education Educational level typically acquired through completion of high school. Experience Four years of experience as an advanced 9-level worker in an ECP Group One classification. OR Three years of experience as an E9, E10, or E11-level worker in an ECP Group One classification.

OR Two years of experience as an experienced level worker in an ECP Group One technician or paraprofessional classification. OR Two years of experience as a first-line supervisor in an ECP Group Three classification. OR One year of experience as a second-line supervisor in an ECP Group Three classification.

*Paraprofessional classifications are those requiring an associate's degree or two years of college. Educational Substitution College credits may be substituted on a proportional basis (one year of college education may substitute for one quarter of the required experience) for up to one half of the required experience. Alternate Education and Experience Departmental Analyst (Departmental Trainee 9) 9 - P11 Educational level typically acquired through completion of high school and the equivalent of at least two years of full-time active-duty experience at or above the E-6 level in the uniformed services may be substituted for the education requirement.

Additional Requirements and Information To be considered for this position you must: If applicable, attach a copy of your official college transcripts and/or foreign degree evaluation with your application. Click here for the State of Michigan (SOM) definition of an Official College Transcript. Applicants who possess foreign degrees must have their academic credentials evaluated or converted into U.S

educational equivalents. Civil Service accepts evaluations from organizations listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. View the job specification at: https://www.michigan.gov/mdcs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdcs/JOBSPECS/D/DepartmentalAnalyst.pdf MDOT does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications

All newly hired state employees are required to submit and pass a pre-employment drug test and physical (if applicable) prior to their actual appointment. Criminal and driving records will also be checked if applicable. Any position offer will be conditional until results of the drug test, physical, criminal background, and driving records indicate eligibility for employment.

The department reserves the right to close this posting prior to its original end date once a sufficient number of applications have been received. Your application for any position does not guarantee that you will be contacted by the Department for further consideration. Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) software of any kind is prohibited in all areas of the selection process including, but not limited to, responses to application questions and responses to interview questions or exercises. If you have questions related to this posting, please contact MDOT-OHR@Michigan.gov. Accommodations If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.


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