1

Air Force Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Air Reserve Technicians are full-time civilian employees who are also members of the Air Force ... Must have logged 1,000 or more total pilot time (i.e., accumulation of primary, secondary ...

$76K/yr

For more information click here and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter. PART-TIME OR UNPAID ... AFR Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC): Email: hqafrc.a3rb.pilotconciergecell@us.af.mil Global: A3 ...

$76K/yr

For more information click here and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter. PART-TIME OR UNPAID ... AFR Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC): Email: hqafrc.a3rb.pilotconciergecell@us.af.mil Global: A3 ...

$76K/yr

For more information click here and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter. PART-TIME OR UNPAID ... AFR Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC): Email: hqafrc.a3rb.pilotconciergecell@us.af.mil Global: A3 ...

$76K/yr

For more information click here and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter. PART-TIME OR UNPAID ... AFR Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC): Email: hqafrc.a3rb.pilotconciergecell@us.af.mil Global: A3 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Air Force Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do air force pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for air force pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Air Force Pilots?

Air Force Pilots are commissioned officers in the military who are trained to operate various types of aircraft, including fighter jets, transport planes, and helicopters, for the United States Air Force. They are responsible for carrying out missions such as combat operations, reconnaissance, transport, and training. Becoming an Air Force Pilot requires rigorous education, flight training, and physical fitness standards. These pilots play a critical role in national defense and often work in high-pressure environments where quick decision-making is essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Force Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Force Pilot, you need a bachelor's degree, excellent physical fitness, and completion of rigorous flight training and officer commissioning programs. Familiarity with advanced aircraft systems, flight simulators, and navigation technology—as well as holding necessary certifications like a military pilot’s license—are essential. Exceptional decision-making, leadership, and communication abilities are crucial soft skills for success in high-pressure and team-oriented environments. These competencies ensure mission success, operational safety, and effective collaboration in demanding and dynamic military settings.

What are some common challenges Air Force Pilots face during their initial training and how can they prepare for them?

Air Force Pilots often encounter rigorous physical and mental challenges during their initial training, including mastering complex flight maneuvers, handling high-stress decision-making, and adapting to a strict schedule. The environment is highly competitive and demands resilience, quick learning, and effective teamwork. Prospective pilots can prepare by maintaining peak physical fitness, developing strong study habits, and seeking mentorship from experienced aviators. Building mental toughness and time management skills will also help candidates thrive in this demanding phase.

What is the difference between Air Force Pilot vs Commercial Airline Pilot?

AspectAir Force PilotCommercial Airline Pilot
Required CredentialsMilitary pilot training, FAA pilot license, specific military certificationsFAA commercial pilot license, airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate
Work EnvironmentMilitary aircraft, military bases, combat zones, training facilitiesCommercial aircraft, airports, airline terminals, passenger cabins
Employer & IndustryU.S. Air Force, military defenseCommercial airlines, passenger transportation

Air Force Pilots and Commercial Airline Pilots both operate aircraft and require pilot licenses, but they differ in training, work environment, and employer. Air Force Pilots serve in the military with a focus on defense and combat, while Commercial Airline Pilots work for airlines transporting passengers and cargo. Both roles demand extensive flying hours and certifications, but their daily duties and operational settings vary significantly.

More about Air Force Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Air Force Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Air Force Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Force Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Air Force Pilot jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Air Force Pilot jobs? The top employers for Air Force Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Air Force Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Force Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Air Force Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 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 $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
SUPERVISORY AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

SUPERVISORY AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Travis Air Force Base, CA • On-site

$170K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 535 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
Air Reserve Technicians are full-time civilian employees who are also members of the Air Force Reserve unit in which they are employed. In addition to their civilian assignments, they are assigned to equivalent positions in the Reserve organization with a Reserve military rank or grade. Appointee's civilian assignments will consist of the following duties.Qualifications:THIS IS AN AIR RESERVE TECHNICIAN OFFICER POSITION.
This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) Officer position located at 349 OPERATIONS GP with the military rank of COL, AFSC: 010C0. For questions concerning military eligibility please contact the Air Force Reserve Qualification Center at 1-800-257-1212.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Three years of progressively responsible experience in a flying component of the US military establishment in assignments that normally would qualify for progression into the position of Wing Operations and Training Officer or its equivalent. This experience must have included assignments wherein the applicant was required to have demonstrated ability to formulate plans and policies pertaining to operation and training of search/rescue, tanker, transport, fighter, specials operations, bomber, or reconnaissance units; operation of flying training schools; or aircraft performance programs. At least one year of specialized experience must have been of a level of difficulty and responsibility comparable to that of the GS-13 in the Federal service.
SUBSTITUTION:
-
Completion of Air Force pilot or navigator training or equivalent training in other US military establishments for heavier-than-air aircraft may be substituted for one year of general experience.
- Satisfactory completion of Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, or equivalent in another of the US military establishments, may be substituted for one year of specialized experience.
- Each year of service in a Reserve component of the US military establishment in assignments that normally would result in progression into the position of Aircraft Operations Officer, and in which the flying requirements specialized by Air Force regulation have been met, may be credited for three months of general or specialized experience. The substitution may not be made for periods of Reserve service which occurred concurrently with periods of fulltime experience for which credit is assigned.
CERTIFICATION: Must hold or qualify for a USAF Pilot or Navigator rating and be currently qualified in multi-engine or jet engine aircraft, as appropriate, within the past 36 months for non-Federal applicants and within the past 60 months for current Federal employees.
MINIMUM INSTRUMENT HOURS REQUIRED:
Must hold a valid USAF instrument rating or other equivalent military or civilian rating.
MINIMUM FLYING HOURS:
Applicants must have logged 2,000 or more total flying time as a Pilot or Navigator (combat systems officer) (accumulation of primary, secondary, instructor, evaluator, simulator, student and other time) or 1,300 hours Primary Flight Time (accumulation of primary, secondary, instructor and evaluator time). Current Federal employees must be mission qualified on flying status within the past 60 months. Non-Federal employees must have actively flown within the past 36 months.
Candidates destablishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. NOTE: You must submit an AFTAR 209 or any official flying hour report and any official document that shows date received aviation service aeronautical order. Please upload your documents in the supporting documents section under Other. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGBILE RATING.
Federal Time-In-Grade (TIG) Requirement for General Schedule (GS) Positions: Applicants must have served at least 52 weeks at the GS- 13 grade level or higher grade (or equivalent in an alternate pay system) within the Federal Civil Service to be considered for referral. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1: Knowledge of and skill in the application of rated aviator expertise, as a pilot.
2: Knowledge of flying operations, command center communications, intelligence procedures, aeromedical evacuation, and current operations which includes worldwide deployment of aircraft, and the relationships of the various Air Force Reserve entities, other MAJCOMs and Air Force in overall planning and execution of military operations and evaluations.
3: Knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, and techniques for employment of unit-assigned aircraft.
4: Ability to plan, organize, and direct flight operations functions; mentor, motivate, and appraise a staff through subordinate supervisors.
5: Ability to analyze, plan, and adjust work operations of one or more organizational segments to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources.
6: Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
7: Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE:
Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
**OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS IN EDUCATION BLOCK**Education:OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS:
1. This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) officer position. The incumbent is required to meet and maintain Air Force Reserve requirements. Work schedule will be aligned to allow the incumbent to fully participate in unit training assemblies. The incumbent's regular assignments are primarily ART duties; however, the incumbent may also be assigned non-ART duties, generally not to exceed 30 percent of total responsibilities.
2. Periodically, as prescribed by regulations, must take and pass standardization/evaluation flight examinations which consist of both written tests and actual flight performance to demonstrate flight knowledge and abilities required by the position. Incumbent must participat6e in regular, frequent flights, as directed by the supervisor, over and above the flights required by the position.
3. Incumbent must formulate plans and policies pertaining to operations and unit flying training activities.
4. The incumbent is subject to the normal pressures, deadlines, and other conditions inherent in this position and others found in the aircrew occupation. May be exposed to gravity forces of three to nine depending upon aircraft to which assigned.
5. In order to meet special or essential unscheduled activities, may be required to work an uncommon tour of duty with brief advance notice.
6. This is an AFRC key management position, in which the incumbent is required to formulate, determine, and/or influence policies. Must be highly knowledgeable of the AFRC mission and responsibilities. As a designated key position, the term "key" as it is used here relates to the ART program that defines the position as critical to mobilization capability (i.e., formulates, determines or influences policies of the unit to which assigned), and has no relationship to the term "key" as defined in AFI 36-507.
7. This position is designated as a mobility position. Incumbent must be willing to move/transfer to another unit/location on a lateral or promotion basis as directed by HQ AFRC. AFRC command-wide geographic mobility is a condition of employment for all ART Officer positions. The employee must sign a mobility agreement.
8. The incumbent must possess demonstrated leadership and managerial abilities essential to successful accomplishment of responsibilities inherent in this position.
9. The incumbent must obtain and retain the appropriate security clearance level designated for the position.
10. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The employee is subject to random drug testing. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing and participation in random drug testing as a condition of employment. Drug Test requirement was modified with AFI 90-508, Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program, 28 August 2014; Certified Current 18 December 2015 which supersedes AFI 44-107, 7 April 2010. Positions covered by this SPD must be reviewed for proper "Testing Designated Position (TDP)" coding to comply with the AF Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program (AFI 90-508). Drug testing is a condition of employment.
11. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
12. The incumbent may be required to fly in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments (TDY) away from the normal duty station.
13. The incumbent may be required to work overtime to meet workload demands.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.
15. Must meet and maintain appropriate physical standards for aircrew duty according to AFI 48- 123, Medical Examinations and Medical Standards.
IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
RETIRED MILITARY ARE USUALLY INELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE AIR FORCE RESERVE. RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL WHO HAVE ACTIVE AIR FORCE RESERVE ASSIGNMENTS MAY APPLY PROVIDED THEY SHOW ASSIGNMENT (POSITION AND UNIT) ON THEIR APPLICATION.Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Defense employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom