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Air Force Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$131K/yr

Air Reserve Technicians are full-time civilian employees who are also members of the Air Force ... The qualifications of Airplane/Helicopter Pilots or Airplane/Helicopter Flight Instructors in an ...

USAJOBS

$131K/yr

Air Reserve Technicians are full-time civilian employees who are also members of the Air Force ... The qualifications of Airplane/Helicopter Pilots or Airplane/Helicopter Flight Instructors in an ...

Textron

Fighter Pilot- Pt. Mugu - ATAC

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$93K - $116K/yr

Navy, Marine and Air Force pilots. ATAC operates simultaneously across eight sites and two continents and comprises the world's largest outsourced civilian, tactical airborne training organization ...

Textron

Fighter Pilot- Pt. Mugu - ATAC

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$93K - $116K/yr

Navy, Marine and Air Force pilots. ATAC operates simultaneously across eight sites and two continents and comprises the world's largest outsourced civilian, tactical airborne training organization ...

Textron

Pilot - Skillbridge

Cherry Point, NC · On-site

Navy, Marines and the US Air Force. ATAC operates simultaneously across eight permanent sites ... Act as, or support the individual responsible for, pilot Scheduling, Training, NATOPS/Standards ...

Textron

Navy, Marines and the US Air Force. ATAC operates simultaneously across eight permanent sites ... Act as, or support the individual responsible for, pilot Scheduling, Training, NATOPS/Standards ...

US Department of the Air Force

$90K/yr

This position falls under the Air Force Pilot for Position Classification and Improved Processes for Advancement. Please ensure you read the entire announcement for education and experience ...

Sorian Aero

We are hiring an Air Force Mission Partnerships Lead to build direct, enduring relationships with the people who understand the mission firsthand: aggressor pilots, instructors, weapons officers ...

USAJOBS

AIRPLANE PILOT

Scott Air Force Base, IL

$131K/yr

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 ...

Cessna Aircraft Company

Navy, Marine and Air Force pilots and is actively pursuing many foreign programs as well. ATAC operates simultaneously across five Navy/Marine Corps sites and three Air Force sites spanning across ...

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Air Force Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do air force pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 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 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 in consistent demand due to the need for skilled personnel to operate advanced aircraft and fulfill national defense requirements. Recruitment and retention depend on factors such as military needs, pilot training programs, and ongoing operational requirements, making experienced pilots a valuable asset for the Air Force.

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.
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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:

What are popular job titles related to Air Force Pilot jobs?

For Air Force Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Air Force Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Force Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

HELICOPTER PILOT

On-site

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)external

$131K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 540 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 50 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 943 RESCUE GP with the military rank of LT COL/O-5, AFSC: 011H3E. For questions concerning military eligibility please contact the Air Force Reserve Qualification Center at 1-800-257-1212.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCE: No specific length of experience required. The qualifications of Airplane/Helicopter Pilots or Airplane/Helicopter Flight Instructors in an Air Force active duty and Reserve force are directly related to the completion of prerequisite training and number of flying hours rather than years of experience.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Applicants must have served at least 52 weeks at the next lower 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.
GS-13: Must have been awarded or qualify for a USAF Pilot rating and hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order. Minimum of 1,000 Total Military Flight Time in MDS. Must be instructor qualified in unit aircraft. (Note: For position requiring the piloting of fighter jet aircraft (e.g., F-16, A-10, F-15, F-22), each hours as First Pilot and/or Instructor Pilot in a fighter jet aircraft may be counted as two hours of flying time when determining total hours of pilot time or primary and/or instructor pilot time. Training aircraft (T-37/T-38) should be considered when giving double credit but only for those hours in which candidates logged either instructor/evaluator pilot or primary pilot time. Flying hours logged as a student pilot will be credited one-for-one when calculating total time.) 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.
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 and ability to formulate plans and courses pertaining to flying operations and unit flying training activities.
  3. Knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, and techniques for employment of unit-assigned aircraft.
  4. Knowledge of flying operations and the unit mission. Knowledge of the relationship of the various Air Force Reserve entities, other MAJCOMs and Air Force in overall planning and execution of military operations and evaluations.
  5. Ability to resolve complex issues and maintain good working relations.
  6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Other significant facts pertaining to this position are:
  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. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. The incumbent must possess demonstrated leadership and managerial abilities essential to successful accomplishment of responsibilities inherent in this position.
  5. The incumbent must obtain and retain the appropriate security clearance level designated for the position, Top Secret.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Aircrew and management duties include stress (both mental and physical), exposures to extreme hot and cold temperatures, gravity forces three in non-fighters and seven in fighters, and short notification for accomplishment of immediate action items directed by unit supervisors/higher headquarters that must be completed before the duty day ends.
  9. Periodically, as prescribed by regulations, must take and pass standardization/evaluation examinations which consist both of written tests and actual flight performance to demonstrate flight knowledge and abilities required of the position.
  10. The incumbent of the position must become instructor qualified within two years from the date of appointment to the position. This is a condition of employment.
  11. 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.
  12. The incumbent may be required to work overtime to meet workload demands.
  13. Performs other duties as assigned.

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.Education: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

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