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Aircraft Flight Navigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Air National Guard Units

$105K - $137K/yr

This position is for a Supervisory Navigator (Instructor) , Position Description Number D2310000 ... Accomplishes post-flight activities to include: maintaining aircraft logs and forms; writing flight ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Aircraft Mission Planner

Linda, CA

$61K - $141K/yr

Aircraft Mission Planner The Opportunity: As a defense mission professional, you ask questions ... Navigator, Combat Systems Officer, Air Battle Manager, or Mission Planner * Experience with flight ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Aircraft Mission Planner

Linda, CA · On-site

$61K - $141K/yr

Aircraft Mission Planner The Opportunity: As a defense mission professional, you ask questions ... Navigator, Combat Systems Officer, Air Battle Manager, or Mission Planner * Experience with flight ...

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Aircraft Flight Navigator information

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How much do aircraft flight navigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for aircraft flight navigator in the United States is $38.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.68 and $49.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a flight navigator make?

A flight navigator's average salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, airline, and location. They often require specialized training and certifications, and may work irregular hours or long shifts onboard aircraft.

What are Aircraft Flight Navigators?

Aircraft Flight Navigators are trained professionals responsible for determining an aircraft's position and plotting its course during flight. They use navigational tools, charts, and instruments to guide pilots, especially on long or complex routes where precise navigation is critical. Their duties may include monitoring weather patterns, communicating with air traffic control, and making real-time adjustments to flight paths to ensure safety and efficiency. While modern technology has automated many navigation tasks, some military and specialized flights still rely on skilled navigators.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aircraft Flight Navigator, and why are they important?

To excel as an Aircraft Flight Navigator, you need expertise in aeronautical navigation, meteorology, and flight planning, typically supported by specialized navigator training or military certification. Mastery of navigation tools such as GPS, radar, flight management systems, and traditional charts is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure accurate navigation, flight safety, and effective coordination with flight crews during complex flight operations.

What does a flight navigator do?

A flight navigator is responsible for planning and monitoring the aircraft's route, ensuring safe navigation during flights. They use tools like maps, compasses, and navigation systems, and often work closely with pilots to adjust for weather and air traffic conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by Aircraft Flight Navigators during long-haul flights?

Aircraft Flight Navigators often encounter challenges such as maintaining situational awareness over extended periods, adapting to changing weather conditions, and ensuring accurate navigation in regions with limited ground-based navigational aids. Staying alert and focused during long shifts is essential, especially when flying over oceans or remote areas where quick decision-making is critical. Collaboration with pilots and air traffic control is key to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring a safe, efficient flight path.

What is the difference between Aircraft Flight Navigator vs Aircraft Pilot?

AspectAircraft Flight NavigatorAircraft Pilot
Required CertificationsFAA Flight Navigator Certification, FAA Commercial Pilot License (for some roles)FAA Commercial Pilot License, Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
Work EnvironmentOnboard aircraft, navigation planning, and route monitoringFlying the aircraft, controlling flight, and managing aircraft systems
Industry UsageMilitary, commercial, and specialized navigation rolesCommercial airlines, private aviation, cargo, and passenger flights

The Aircraft Flight Navigator primarily focuses on navigation, route planning, and ensuring accurate positioning during flights, often working closely with pilots. In contrast, the Aircraft Pilot is responsible for flying the aircraft, managing controls, and ensuring safety during flight. While both roles require navigation knowledge and certifications, pilots have broader responsibilities related to aircraft operation. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in aviation.

What is the highest paying flight job?

The highest paying flight jobs typically include airline captains and senior flight officers, with captains earning the most due to their experience, responsibility, and the size of the aircraft operated. Salaries can vary based on airline, aircraft type, and years of experience, with top-tier captains earning six-figure incomes. Advanced certifications, such as type ratings and extensive flight hours, are often required for these roles.

What education is needed to be a navigator?

Aircraft flight navigators typically need at least a bachelor's degree in aviation, aerospace engineering, or a related field. They also require specialized training in navigation, often through military or airline training programs, and must obtain relevant certifications or licenses depending on their employer and jurisdiction.
More about Aircraft Flight Navigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Aircraft Flight Navigator jobs? Cities with the most Aircraft Flight Navigator job openings:
What states have the most Aircraft Flight Navigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Aircraft Flight Navigator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aircraft Flight Navigator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aircraft Flight Navigator jobs are:
Aircraft Flight Navigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aircraft Flight Navigator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,655 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

SUPERVISORY NAVIGATOR (INSTRUCTOR) - TITLE 32

Air National Guard Units

On-site, Remote

$105K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Air National Guard rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

Summary
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.
This position is for a Supervisory Navigator (Instructor), Position Description Number D2310000 located in the 128th ACCS.
This is a full-time, Excepted Permanent, dual status position which requires Georgia Air National Guard Membership.
Area of Consideration: Open to current members of the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve or Air Force Active Duty.
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Duties
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As a Supervisory Navigator (Instructor), GS-2183-13, you will:
Perform supervisory personnel management responsibilities. Directs and controls the activities of unit navigators/electronic warfare officers in the flying squadron. Plans work to be accomplished by subordinates, sets and adjusts priorities, and prepares schedules for completion of work. Develops ways to improve work methods and processes. Provides guidance and advice on work and administrative matters. Approves leave. Evaluates work performance of subordinates. Hears and resolves complaints. Effects disciplinary measures. Identifies and arranges for needed development and training of subordinates. Interviews candidates and makes selections for positions in the office. Applies Equal Employment Opportunity concepts and requirements to actions and decisions and maintains an appropriate working environment. Maintains a safe work environment and complies with safety and security directives.
Prepare for flight to include: securing current and forecast weather information to determine conditions along the proposed route of flight and at the destination; plans the flight through the study of charts to determine routing, intermediate stops, alternate destination, fuel requirements, estimated flying time, and if required, files the aircraft flight plan and reviews aircraft and personnel diplomatic entry requirements; checks and verifies that the airplane is ready for flight, including aspects as defensive equipment and expendables loading, maintenance or service conditions, performing prescribed preflight checks, reviewing load weight, chute type, and positioning for airdrop loads, and obtaining the proper clearances to begin the flight. Directs operations of the aircraft with the utmost safety to include: adhering to flight procedures and parameters in the airplane flight manual, communicating and coordinating with ground units and controlling activities, monitors performance of the airplane and progress of the flight, recommends corrective actions to resolve any abnormal conditions. Accomplishes post-flight activities to include: maintaining aircraft logs and forms; writing flight reports, coordinating with maintenance personnel on service conditions; and conducts post-flight checks.
Develop and monitor the Squadron's navigation ground and flight training program. Monitors the instruction of and personally instructs navigators in all phases of both initial aircrew qualification training and mission training. Ensures that the training program meets organizational requirements and directives from higher headquarters. Maintains required current navigation flight and ground training records on individual navigators. Evaluates the effectiveness of the training program and initiates or recommends corrective action.
As required, serves as standardization/evaluation flight examiner. Periodically examines assigned navigators over land and water flights to determine the degree of proficiency and adherence to standard directives. Develops and/or recommends improved and economical procedures for the operation of aircraft. On a continuing basis, studies and reviews applicable flight/aircrew publications and directives and recommends change as required. Maintains close liaison with the office of safety and other agencies concerned with flying safety activities and hazards to flight. Verifies the qualifications of individuals selected for upgrade to qualified navigator, instructor navigator, or flight examiner. Assures adherence to established standards of flight proficiency and policies through evaluation/observation of aircrews and operational facilities. Informs the commander of factors adversely affecting aircrew or operational capability and provides recommended corrective action as required. Ensures navigators have current technical manuals and required operations directives. Analyzes flight evaluation data for adverse trends in aircrew performance. Initiates corrective action where required. Administers required flight evaluations. Reviews hazard reports and aircraft accident/incident reports.
Ensure that complete navigation packets (DD 1801 flight plans, navigator flight plans, charts, forms, fuel plan, and air crew flimsy) are developed, available, and distributed. Selects mission commanders. Ensures that personnel are properly trained for deployments. Keeps mission commanders abreast of current conditions and procedural changes for each deployed location. Conducts after action meetings for various levels of personnel upon completion of each deployment. Consolidates after action reports and mission commander reports. Together with mission commanders, develops process improvements/corrections. Incorporates changes into deployment, employment, and redeployment checklists. Updates mission commander read file.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED
  • This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard, required prior to the effective date of placement.
  • Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
  • Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • This position requires a Top Secret SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information) security clearance as a condition of employment. Incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain required security Clearance.
  • Irregular and overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies.
  • Must maintain a current Flying Class IA physical.
  • For positions requiring the operation of motor vehicles, candidates must have a valid state driver's license for the state in which they live or are principally employed.
  • For positions requiring a security clearance (Secret or Top Secret) the applicant must possess or be able to obtain a clearance within one year of appointment.

Qualifications
Each applicant must fully substantiate (in her/his own words) that they meet the requirements of the specialized experience listed below; otherwise, the applicant will be considered unqualified for this vacancy. DO NOT COPY THE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT OR THE POSITION DESCRIPTION. IF YOU DO THIS YOU WILL BE CONSIDERED UNQUALIFIED FOR THE VACANCY. Please ensure that you have included beginning and ending dates (month and year) for all jobs listed on your resume.
Military Grades: O2-O4.
Compatible Military Assignments: AFSC: 12U3Y.
General Experience: Experience which provided a working knowledge of the navigation systems and navigational instruments of the assigned airframe.
Specialized Experience: Must have at least 36 months experience, education or training that has required you to obtain information on type of mission, weather and intelligence data, and special instructions; experience preparing navigation flight plans; experience that provided a knowledge of proper readings and operations of navigational systems; experience that shows your ability to test and inspect the operation of compasses, navigation systems, or radio and radar equipment; experience utilizing various navigational methods and aids to accomplish flying missions; experience computing the effect of various factors during flight to establish present course and project balance of course and ability to train, evaluate and certify proficiency and competency of lower graded personnel
AND
Must be a current Supervisory of Flying Qualified, function as on scene commander for aircraft emergencies.
Education
Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in fields listed below leading to a bachelor's degree, in an accredited college or university, meets the GS-5 level requirements.
Education - Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study accounting, business administration, business or commercial law, commerce, economics, engineering, finance, industrial management, statistics, traffic management, transportation, motor mechanics, or other fields related to the position.
Additional information
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
Relocation incentive up to 20% may be authorized
Recruitment Incentive up to 25% may be authorized
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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