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Aerial Pilot Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

DC Government Careers

Helicopter Pilot

Washington, DC · On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

The purpose of this position is to operate a helicopter in the performance and support of aerial ... The incumbent pilots an Airbus AS350B3 helicopter in support of law enforcement duties, including ...

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Aerial Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

You're the first call when a pilot hits a sensor problem, the person keeping parts and inventory ... Manage aerial system inventory and logistics - ensuring operators have the media, software, and ...

New

Nearmap

Aerial Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

You're the first call when a pilot hits a sensor problem, the person keeping parts and inventory ... Manage aerial system inventory and logistics - ensuring operators have the media, software, and ...

New

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Derwood, MD · On-site

The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight ... Experience with high-performance RC aircraft, turbine-powered RC aircraft, aerial targets ...

New

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Derwood, MD · On-site

The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight ... Experience with high-performance RC aircraft, turbine-powered RC aircraft, aerial targets ...

New

Kaimetrix

Technical Advisor II

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

This role supports emerging capability efforts and modernization initiatives across Aerial/Space ... Support assessments and pilots involving software‑ and hardware‑intensive systems using ...

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Aerial Pilot information

See Washington salary details

$56.1K

$148.3K

$227.7K

How much do aerial pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial pilot in Washington is $148,275.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,300.00 and $175,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerial pilot?

Aerial pilots are licensed professionals who operate aircraft for purposes other than commercial airline transportation. Their work often includes aerial photography, surveying, agricultural applications (like crop dusting), firefighting, search and rescue, and banner towing. Aerial pilots must have specialized training and certifications that depend on their specific area of work, and they must adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. They often work in varied and sometimes challenging environments, and their skills are critical for tasks that require precision flying. Aerial pilots play an essential role in industries ranging from agriculture to emergency services.

What does an aerial pilot do?

The job duties of an aerial pilot involve operating an aircraft to perform different airborne tasks. Your responsibilities vary depending on the industry. An aerial survey pilot performs data acquisition and mapping tasks while they fly over an area. As an aerial photography pilot, you take images from the air or fly a photography team over the site or event they want to photograph. An aerial firefighter pilot releases water or fire suppression liquid over a forest fire. Crop dusters release fertilizer or pesticide over farm fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerial pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerial Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong aviation knowledge, and excellent flight proficiency, often supported by specialized training for aerial operations. Familiarity with navigation systems, GPS technology, and flight planning software is typically required, along with certifications such as an FAA Part 61 or 141 license. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and strong decision-making skills set exceptional aerial pilots apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring flight safety, regulatory compliance, and effective execution of specialized missions like photography, surveying, or agricultural work.

What are some common challenges aerial pilots face when operating in diverse weather conditions?

Aerial Pilots often encounter rapidly changing weather patterns that can significantly affect flight safety and mission success. Navigating through turbulence, low visibility, and unexpected wind shifts requires quick decision-making and constant communication with ground control and co-pilots. Staying updated on weather reports and having contingency plans in place are essential parts of the job. Pilots must also be adept at adjusting flight plans on the fly to maintain safety and efficiency.

What is the difference between Aerial Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectAerial PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA pilot license, commercial pilot certificateRemote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)
Work EnvironmentAircraft in various outdoor settings, often in aviation or film industriesRemote control, often indoors or in designated outdoor areas
Industry UsageAviation, aerial photography, surveying, firefightingFilmmaking, inspections, agriculture, real estate

While both roles involve flying devices, Aerial Pilots operate manned aircraft requiring pilot licenses and often work in aviation or aerial services. Drone Operators control unmanned drones with remote licenses, mainly used for filming, inspections, or agricultural purposes. The key differences lie in certification requirements, work environment, and industry applications.

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

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Aerial Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Pilot job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,275 per year, or $71.3 per hour.

Sr Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chantilly, VA • Hybrid

$156K - $234K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 13 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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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

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