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Air Freight Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Poseidon Aerospace

Pilot

California, MO · On-site

... curve for air freight, making it faster, cheaper, and accessible anywhere it's needed ... As a Pilot at Poseidon Aerospace, you will serve as the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) for our next ...

Norfolk Southern Corp.

Captain Pilot

Atlanta, GA · On-site

To operate the Company aircraft as called upon, providing safe, comfortable, and efficient air ... Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network.

Norfolk Southern Corp.

Captain Pilot

Atlanta, GA · On-site

To operate the Company aircraft as called upon, providing safe, comfortable, and efficient air ... Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network.

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 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 ...

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Air Freight Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do air freight pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 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 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 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 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.

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.
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Air Freight Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Freight Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% 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.

Pilot

California, MO • On-site

Poseidon Aerospace
See more jobs at Poseidon Aerospaceexternal

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

About Poseidon Aerospace:

Poseidon Aerospace is reimagining how the world moves goods. We build and operate full-size autonomous cargo aircraft - capable of carrying two tons of payload over a thousand nautical miles. From remote communities to contested logistics operations, our platforms unlock a new cost curve for air freight, making it faster, cheaper, and accessible anywhere it's needed. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area with locations in Washington DC, Oregon, and Maine; we're building something consequential.


As a Pilot at Poseidon Aerospace, you will serve as the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) for our next-generation autonomous aircraft. Flying is your primary function, you own the aircraft from preflight to post-flight, and when you're not in the air, you're supporting the test team on the ground to make sure the next flight is ready to go.


This role is for pilots first. You bring deep UAS operational experience, sharp situational awareness, and the discipline to run repeatable test operations safely. The engineering curiosity is a bonus, stick time is the foundation.


Flying responsibilities

  • Serve as RPIC for all Poseidon aircraft during developmental flight testing and operational demonstrations


  • Execute flight test cards with precision, maintaining awareness of vehicle state, airspace, and test objectives throughout each sortie


  • Lead preflight briefings and postflight debriefings with the test team


  • Conduct flight readiness reviews and make go/no-go decisions based on aircraft status, weather, and airspace conditions


  • Maintain and apply SOPs, emergency checklists, and crew resource management practices on every flight


  • Provide structured debrief reports including anomalies, out-of-limits observations, and qualitative flight assessment



Ground support responsibilities

When not flying, you'll work alongside the test team to keep operations moving.



  • Support ground operations, range setup, and communications infrastructure for test campaigns


  • Assist in developing and maintaining flight test plans, SOPs, and operational documentation


  • Coordinate airspace authorizations, COA applications, and range scheduling


  • Review flight data logs to flag anomalies and provide pilot perspective to engineering teams


  • Help configure and verify aircraft systems prior to flight, working alongside avionics and propulsion engineers


  • Contribute to the development of operational concepts for autonomous and remote-piloted missions



Required qualifications

  • Demonstrated experience as RPIC for UAS or RPAS platforms in operational or test environments


  • FAA Part 107 certification; familiarity with COA processes and experimental aircraft operations


  • FAA Part 61 or Part 141 certificated pilot (Private, Commercial, or ATP) with multi-engine privileges


  • Strong working knowledge of airspace coordination, mission planning, and preflight risk assessment


  • Ability to execute disciplined, repeatable test operations in dynamic field environments


  • Clear, structured communicator - comfortable leading briefs and debriefs with mixed engineering and operations audiences


  • At ease with evolving aircraft configurations and startup-level operational tempo



Bonus points for

  • RPIC experience on large or complex UAS platforms (Group 3-5, e.g., Reaper, Global Hawk, or comparable)


  • Familiarity with telemetry systems, GCS interfaces, and autopilot behavior in test configurations


  • Experience supporting field test campaigns for new or developmental aircraft platforms


  • Exposure to flight test instrumentation, data logging, or postflight analysis workflows


  • Knowledge of simulation environments used for mission rehearsal or systems testing


  • Aerospace, systems, or mechanical engineering background



What you get from us

  • Competitive salary and meaningful early-stage equity


  • Relocation support if applicable


  • Employee Health Benefit Plans


  • 6% Retirement matching


  • Flexible PTO


  • Free lunches, snacks, and a stocked fridge at our offices


  • AI tools and subscriptions


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