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Aerial Application Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Aerial Application Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$29.2K

$78.3K

$138.3K

How much do aerial application pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial application pilot in Virginia is $78,262.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,600.00 and $101,100.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Aerial Application Pilot job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,262 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Sr Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chantilly, VA • Hybrid

$156K - $234K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 50% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Level 4 Senior Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Chantilly, VA

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot will pilot an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during developmental test and operational flights. Remotely pilot vehicle to determine compliance with specification and operational suitability during engineering tests and flight test/demonstration support through specifically prescribed tests and maneuvers. Defines, plans, organizes, and executes complex

flight programs and flight test events. Conducts briefings and debriefings, and coordinates with maintenance personnel to analyze and correct vehicle discrepancies. May conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials or other personnel to exhibit vehicle performance, flying qualities and system capabilities. Must have an existing FAA Commercial Pilots Certificate (ASEL and/or AMEL) with an instrument rating.

Pilot will work in greater Washington DC area and deploy to OCONUS field locations periodically/as scheduled as part of their job responsibilities. All initial position training will be conducted at our Chantilly, VA facility (4-6 months).

Basic Qualifications:

  • 12 years of experience OR a Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of experience OR a Master's Degree and 6 years of experience
  • Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal and organizational skills as well as oral and written communication skills.
  • Must be proficient using MS Office applications and have had experience using mission planning software such as Falcon View.
  • Must be willing to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends and support on call status for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days a year.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid U.S. passport.
  • Must meet medical requirements and vaccinations for worldwide travel.
  • Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time.
  • Must be willing to accept customer furnished quarters for a period up to 90 days away from primary work location and comply with mobility requirements.
  • Must have an FAA Commercial Pilots Certificate (ASEL and/or AMEL) and Instrument rating.
  • Must have a minimum of 1000 hours of total documented time (airplane, helicopter, powered lift)
  • Must be able to obtain a FAA 2nd Class Medical Certificate.
  • Must possess and be able to maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance and be willing to undergo a polygraph.
  • Ability to obtain and retain Special Program access clearance within 365 days from submission.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Aviation Instructor/Evaluator experience.
  • Previous simulator instructor experience
  • Familiar with aviation technical data and training development.
  • A current SCI clearance and polygraph.
  • Previous military pilot training (including Unmanned Pilots) strongly preferred.

#MPR

Primary Level Salary Range: $156,400.00 - $234,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939