1

Air Force Navigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aviation Officer

Stockton, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...

Aviation Officer

Topeka, KS · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...

Aviation - Officer Careers - VA, DC, MD

Newport News, VA · On-site

$79K - $98K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside ...

Aviation Officer

Glendale, AZ · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...

Aviation Officer

Macon, GA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...

Aviation Officer

Flint, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...

Aviation - Officer Careers - VA, DC, MD

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$87K - $109K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside ...

Aviation - Officer Careers - VA, DC, MD

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside ...

Aviation - Officer Careers (FL)

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside ...

Aviation Officer

Kennesaw, GA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...

Aviation Officer

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...

Aviation Officer

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...

Aviation - Officer Careers - VA, DC, MD

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$78K - $98K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside ...

Aviation Officer

Babson Park, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...

Aviation - Officer Careers - VA, DC, MD

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$87K - $109K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside ...

Aviation Officer

Morgantown, WV · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...

Showing results 41-60

Air Force Navigator information

See salary details

$13

$22

$33

How much do air force navigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for air force navigator in the United States is $22.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges Air Force navigators face during missions, and how are they supported to overcome them?

Air Force Navigators often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, complex airspace management, and coordinating with both the aircrew and ground operations. Navigators must stay highly focused and adaptable, using advanced avionics and navigation systems to ensure mission success. The Air Force provides extensive training, continuous simulation exercises, and strong team support to help navigators build resilience and problem-solving skills necessary for high-pressure situations.

What is an Air Force navigator?

Air Force Navigators, also known as Combat Systems Officers (CSOs), are commissioned officers responsible for managing and directing the navigation, weapons, and electronic systems on various Air Force aircraft. They play a crucial role in mission planning, in-flight operations, and ensuring that aircraft reach their destinations safely and efficiently. Navigators use advanced technology and coordinate with pilots and crew to complete missions such as reconnaissance, transport, and combat operations. Their training covers a wide range of skills, including navigation, electronic warfare, and communication systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Force navigator?

To thrive as an Air Force Navigator, you need a strong understanding of aviation navigation, aeronautical science, and must possess at least a bachelor's degree and completion of specialized Air Force training. Familiarity with advanced navigation systems, GPS, radar, and mission planning software is essential, along with relevant military certifications. Excellent situational awareness, teamwork, decision-making, and clear communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure mission accuracy, crew safety, and effective operations in dynamic and high-stakes environments.

How much does an Air Force navigator make?

An Air Force navigator's salary typically ranges from approximately $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and years of service. They receive additional benefits such as housing allowances, healthcare, and retirement options, and must complete specialized training and certifications to qualify for the role.

What is the difference between Air Force Navigator vs Air Force Pilot?

AspectAir Force NavigatorAir Force Pilot
Primary RolePlan and execute navigation routes, assist with mission planning, and operate navigation systemsFly aircraft, operate flight controls, and ensure mission execution
Required CertificationsNavigation training, aviation certifications, security clearancePilot certifications, flight training, security clearance
Work EnvironmentAircraft, mission planning rooms, navigation stationsAircraft cockpit, flight line, mission control

Both roles are integral to air missions, requiring aviation certifications and security clearances. Navigators focus on route planning and navigation systems, while pilots operate the aircraft. They often work together in the cockpit to ensure mission success.

More about Air Force Navigator jobs

What cities are hiring for Air Force Navigator jobs?

Cities with the most Air Force Navigator job openings:

What states have the most Air Force Navigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Air Force Navigator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Air Force Navigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,665 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Aviation Officer

U.S. Navy

Stockton, CA • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

ABOUT

The U.S. Navy operates more than 3,700 aircraft, making it the second largest air force in the world — second only to the U.S. Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky.

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY

FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel, drop ordnance and conduct defensive missions—all in the F/A-18 Hornet and the cutting-edge F-35C Lightning II.

AIRCRAFT HANDLING OFFICER - Every performance needs a choreographer and on the deck of an aircraft carrier, that person is you. You’re in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence to aircraft recovery.

FIXED WING PILOT - In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you’re on patrol as the command control center in the sky. If you’re flying the P-3 Orion or the brand-new P-8 Poseidon, you hunt submarines using cutting- edge software, radar, sonar, and acoustics.

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy submarines in defense of your ship.

NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you’re the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you’re hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye through enemy territory or dropping bombs from the backseat of an F-18 fighter jet.

AVIATION MAINTENANCE DUTY OFFICER - You’re in charge of managing the repair and upkeep of our most lethal aviation assets—over eighty different types of aircraft. In addition to that, you manage hundreds of personnel, making this a job that requires a level of organization and focus that few can say they’ve mastered.

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • 30 days paid vacation per year

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Beyond professional credentials and certifications, the Navy can help ease your financial burdens and advance your career with generous financial assistance and continuing education programs, including:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill
  • Navy Tuition Assistance Program
  • Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
  • Navy College Program
  • VOLED Assistance Center
  • VOLED Region Advisors
  • Navy War College (NWC)
  • USAF Air University Air Command and Staff College

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Students may apply in last 12 months of pursuing degree
  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

In the field of aviation, you’ll make the world your home. You may be assigned to sea or shore squadrons on almost any continent. You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of environments—airborne aircraft, hangars, flight decks, flight lines at air stations and on aircraft carriers.

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

Some of the above aviation jobs in the Navy Reserve are open only to prior or current military aviators.


What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


US Navy logo

About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Social media