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Air Force Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Air Force Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do air force pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 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 is an Air Force pilot?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be an Air Force pilot?

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 challenges do Air Force pilots face during initial training and how can they prepare?

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 disqualifies you from being an Air Force Pilot?

To become an Air Force Pilot, candidates must meet specific medical, physical, and educational standards, including good vision and hearing, and pass a comprehensive medical exam. Disqualifications include certain medical conditions, criminal history, drug or alcohol abuse, and failure to meet age or fitness requirements. Additionally, candidates must pass a background check and demonstrate the ability to handle the demands of military flight training.

What Air Force Pilot jobs are there in the Air Force?

Air Force Pilot jobs include roles such as fighter pilots, bomber pilots, transport pilots, and reconnaissance pilots. These positions require specialized training, flight hours, and certification in military aircraft, and pilots often serve in various operational, training, or leadership capacities within the Air Force.

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.

Are pilots in demand in the Air Force?

Air Force pilots are generally in steady demand due to the need for skilled personnel in national defense and military operations. Recruitment and retention depend on factors such as military needs, budget, and pilot training programs, which require specialized skills and certifications. The demand can fluctuate based on strategic priorities and technological advancements in aviation.
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 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 $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

$131K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a AIRPLANE PILOT (Title 32), Position Description Number D0253P02 and is part of the OK 138th Fighter Wing, Oklahoma Air National Guard.

Qualifications:

MILITARY GRADES: O-1 through O-4
MANDATORY QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT:
11F AFSC
Eligibility requirements for Dual Status technician positions in this occupation are based on the candidate's possession of appropriate military certifications, military ratings in the main-frame military aircraft of employment, and the required competencies (knowledge, skills, and abilities).
GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
An applicant must have a competent understanding of the occupation's basic principles and concepts. Applicants should have a minimum of one year on-the-job experience in the grade (or a comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
Applicants must demonstrate the following specialized experience competencies (skills, knowledge, and abilities) to qualify for appointments to GS- 2181-13 Air National Guard Dual Status Officer positions. For Air National Guard positions, must have at least two years working experiences in military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or Air National Guard Wing/ Operations Group.
Qualification competencies are determined by three factors: The aircraft operated; the nature and purpose of assignments; and, the degree of hazard.
Experienced in piloting and instructing pilot skills in one or more of the following mainframe/military aircraft: Fixed-wing, rotary, or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).
Although a variety of piloting administrative tasks are performed in support of an Air National Guard aviation program, the required competence for this grade includes the ability to train and instruct others in the piloting of a specified main-frame military aircraft.
Experienced in reading and applying mission tasks, intelligence reports, and weather information.
Experienced in supervising and/or conducting mission planning, mission preparations, filing of flight plans, and conducting crew briefings. Experienced in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, equipment assessments, and mission manning.
Experienced in operating aircraft controls and equipment.
Experienced in performing or supervising the work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations, surveillance, or reconnaissance.
Experienced in conducting or supervising crew member training on simple to complex mission specific tasks.
Experienced in developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders.
Experienced in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, aircraft operating procedures, and mission tactics.
Experienced in planning and preparing for missions; and, must have at least two years experiences in piloting or instructing others in piloting specific air-frame/military aircraft. Experienced in various piloting administrative tasks performed in support of Air National Guard aviation programs.
Experienced in aviation unit quality control management programs.
Experienced in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of the Air Force, National Guard Bureau, and
Occupational Safety and Health Administration directives.
Experienced in applying directives, regulations, accident reports, safety data, and local operating conditions to determine unit
safety program requirements.
Experienced in flying operations and coordinating with appropriate agencies to ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations and programs.
Experienced in one or more missions such as, air-to-air; air-to-ground; mortar-to-arm escort; surveillance; reconnaissance; surface attack; killer-scout; target illumination; or laser targeting. Experienced in traditional "stick and rudder" type controls for piloting aircraft direction, altitude, and speed.
Experienced in using aircraft instrumentation and aircraft mounted video cameras.
Experienced in visual flight- rule type flying and aircraft instrument flying.
Experienced in flying simulated "real world" combat and non-combat missions and terrain.
Experienced in planning, scheduling, and conducting training flights through Federal Aviation Administration controlled national airspace.
Experienced in applying operational directives, training directives, instructions, standard operating procedures, and special instructions of National Guard Bureau, United States Army or United States Air Force, and gaining commands.
Experienced in working independently to plan and perform work assignments.
Experienced in completing safe and efficient mission accomplishments through the use of Operational Risk Management.
Experienced performing aviation duties such as, cancelling flying activities, diverting aircraft, dictating mission requirements, approving specific activities, coordinating for airport or airspace utilization with FAA, or directing emergency actions that involved unit support agencies.
Experienced in conducting particular missions and flying specific main- frame aircraft in combat tactics, flying in mountainous terrain, performing tactical remote site evaluations, performing landings on remote sites, providing ground and flight training, and conducting night-vision operations or instructions.
Experienced in standardization and evaluation programs, written ground examinations, emergency procedures, and aircrew performance standards in accordance with applicable directives and Federal Aviation Administration certification requirements.
Experienced in reviewing and complying with applicable service flight publications and directives for accuracy and currency.
Experienced on weaponry and combat or non-combat tactics for applicable military aircraft.
Experienced with wartime and peacetime contingency plans and supplements used for unit mobilizations, deployments, strange field operations, or troop missions and redeployments.

Education:

An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is mandatory.
A Graduate Degree from an accredited civilian academic college or from an equivalent professional military education school is optimum.
Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs OR must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.

Employment Type: OTHER