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Air Freight Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cook Group

Pilot

Bloomington, IN · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Supervise loading of passengers, baggage and freight; determine that aircraft performance data and ... Study and maintain thorough knowledge of FAA regulations, airport landing areas, air traffic ...

Ameriflight LLC

BE-1900 Captain - Cargo Pilot

Pampa, TX · On-site

$87K/yr

... and freight forwarders to adapt quickly to the demands of today's fast-moving supply chain ... Jumpseat privileges with CASS partners, including American, Alaska, Allegiant, Atlas Air, FedEx ...

Ameriflight

BE-1900 Captain - Cargo Pilot

Pampa, TX · On-site

$87K/yr

... and freight forwarders to adapt quickly to the demands of today's fast-moving supply chain ... Jumpseat privileges with CASS partners, including American, Alaska, Allegiant, Atlas Air, FedEx ...

Ameriflight LLC

BE-1900 Captain - Cargo Pilot

Pampa, TX · On-site

$87K/yr

... and freight forwarders to adapt quickly to the demands of today's fast-moving supply chain ... Jumpseat privileges with CASS partners, including American, Alaska, Allegiant, Atlas Air, FedEx ...

NAC/NAMS

NAC Chief Flight Follow

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Aloha Air Cargo : (AAC) is the largest air freight carrier in the state of Hawaii and is a vital transportation provider to business, government, and non-profit entities. AAC moves approximately 350 ...

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All JobsAir Freight Pilot Jobs

Air Freight Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do air freight pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for air freight 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 the difference between Air Freight Pilot vs Cargo Pilot?

AspectAir Freight PilotCargo Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) if requiredCommercial Pilot License (CPL), often same as Air Freight Pilot
Work EnvironmentOperate cargo aircraft, often for freight companies or airlinesOperate cargo aircraft, similar environment
Employer & IndustryAirlines, freight carriers, logistics companiesFreight carriers, logistics companies, cargo airlines

Both Air Freight Pilots and Cargo Pilots operate cargo aircraft and require similar certifications. The main difference lies in terminology; 'Air Freight Pilot' emphasizes freight transportation, while 'Cargo Pilot' is a more general term. Both roles work in similar environments and industries, focusing on transporting goods efficiently and safely.

How much do air freight pilots make?

Air freight pilots typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, airline, and flight hours. Experienced pilots with additional certifications and long-haul routes tend to earn higher salaries, often supplemented by overtime and per diem allowances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air freight pilot?

To thrive as an Air Freight Pilot, you need an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), extensive flight experience, and a strong understanding of aviation regulations and cargo operations. Proficiency with avionics systems, flight management software, and navigation tools is essential, and many employers require certifications specific to the aircraft type. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and effective communication with ground and flight crews set top pilots apart. These skills ensure the safe, timely, and efficient transport of cargo in compliance with strict safety standards.

What is an air freight pilot?

Air Freight Pilots are professional aviators who operate aircraft specifically designed or designated for transporting cargo, rather than passengers. Their primary responsibilities include safely flying planes that carry goods between airports, adhering to schedules, and ensuring that all cargo is loaded, secured, and delivered efficiently. They must thoroughly plan each flight, monitor weather conditions, communicate with air traffic control, and comply with aviation regulations. Air Freight Pilots often work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, due to the demands of the logistics industry. This role requires specialized training, commercial pilot licensing, and strong attention to detail to ensure the safety and timely arrival of shipments.

What are some typical challenges air freight pilots face when managing tight delivery schedules?

Air Freight Pilots often encounter the challenge of maintaining strict delivery timelines while navigating unpredictable factors such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic delays, and last-minute cargo changes. Successfully managing these variables requires strong decision-making skills, effective communication with ground crews and dispatchers, and the ability to adapt flight plans as necessary. Pilots must also adhere to safety regulations and manage fatigue, especially during overnight or long-haul flights, which are common in air freight operations.
More about Air Freight Pilot jobs
What states have the most Air Freight Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Freight Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Air Freight Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Air Freight Pilot jobs are:
Air Freight Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Freight Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Seasonal Seaplane Pilot

Kawanti Adventures and Taquan Air

Ketchikan, AK • On-site

Temporary

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Taquan Air in Ketchikan is looking to fill seasonal full-time pilot positions starting May 1st, 2024 through September 30th, 2024.
We operate DeHavilland Beavers and Turbine Otters on straight floats exclusively. All pilot positions involve flying freight and mail to multiple destinations near Ketchikan, as well as on and around Prince of Wales Island. The summer season will include flight seeing tours to the Misty Fjords National Monument and surrounding areas. Applicants must be physically fit and able to load and unload cargo, have good customer service skills, be able to work well with others as part of a team, with good judgement and a safety-first frame of mind.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PILOTS:
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate with Airplane Single-engine Sea Rating
  • 1000 hours total time
  • 100 hours cross-country time, including 25 hours night cross-country time
  • Instrument Rating (per FAR 135.243)
  • Taquan Air will consider a variety of experience levels, however you do need 200 hours float time minimum.
  • A history of instructing seaplane applicants is a definite plus.

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