Navy operates more than 3,700 aircraft, making it the second largest air force in the world ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...
Navy operates more than 3,700 aircraft, making it the second largest air force in the world ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...
Navy operates more than 3,700 aircraft, making it the second largest air force in the world ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...
Navy operates more than 3,700 aircraft, making it the second largest air force in the world ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...
Aviation Officer
Geneseo, NY · On-site
Navy operates more than 3,700 aircraft, making it the second largest air force in the world ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...
Aviation Officer
Geneseo, NY · On-site
Navy operates more than 3,700 aircraft, making it the second largest air force in the world ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...
Aviation Officer
Rochester, NY · On-site
Navy operates more than 3,700 aircraft, making it the second largest air force in the world ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...
Aviation Officer
Rochester, NY · On-site
Navy operates more than 3,700 aircraft, making it the second largest air force in the world ... NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator ...
Aircraft Flight Navigator information
See Rochester, NY salary details
$14.47 - $18.63
4% of jobs
$18.63 - $22.79
11% of jobs
$26.48 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$22.79 - $26.95
12% of jobs
$26.95 - $31.11
14% of jobs
The median wage is $35.07 / hr.
$31.11 - $35.28
11% of jobs
$35.28 - $39.44
6% of jobs
$39.44 - $43.60
5% of jobs
$47.24 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$43.60 - $47.76
15% of jobs
$47.76 - $51.92
8% of jobs
$51.92 - $56.08
9% of jobs
$56.08 - $60.24
5% of jobs
$14
$38
$60
How much do aircraft flight navigator jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for aircraft flight navigator in Rochester, NY is $38.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.35 and $48.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is an aircraft flight navigator?
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?
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 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?
| Aspect | Aircraft Flight Navigator | Aircraft Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Required Certifications | FAA Flight Navigator Certification, FAA Commercial Pilot License (for some roles) | FAA Commercial Pilot License, Airline Transport Pilot Certificate |
| Work Environment | Onboard aircraft, navigation planning, and route monitoring | Flying the aircraft, controlling flight, and managing aircraft systems |
| Industry Usage | Military, commercial, and specialized navigation roles | Commercial 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 does an aircraft flight navigator do?
An aircraft flight navigator is responsible for planning and monitoring the flight route, calculating fuel requirements, and ensuring the aircraft stays on course using navigation tools and charts. They work closely with pilots to ensure safe and efficient flights, often requiring knowledge of meteorology, geography, and navigation systems. The role may involve working long hours and maintaining certifications in navigation and safety procedures.
What are popular job titles related to Aircraft Flight Navigator jobs in Rochester, NY? For Aircraft Flight Navigator jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aircraft Flight Navigator jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Aircraft Flight Navigator jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Aircraft Flight Navigator jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Aircraft Flight Navigator job openings:
United States Navy rating
6.4
Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
42nd of 49 rated military and defense
Job description
ABOUT
The U.S. Navy operates more than 3,700 aircraft, making it the second largest air force in the world — second only to the U.S. Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky.
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY
FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel, drop ordnance and conduct defensive missions—all in the F/A-18 Hornet and the cutting-edge F-35C Lightning II.
AIRCRAFT HANDLING OFFICER - Every performance needs a choreographer and on the deck of an aircraft carrier, that person is you. You’re in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence to aircraft recovery.
FIXED WING PILOT - In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you’re on patrol as the command control center in the sky. If you’re flying the P-3 Orion or the brand-new P-8 Poseidon, you hunt submarines using cutting- edge software, radar, sonar, and acoustics.
HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy submarines in defense of your ship.
NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you’re the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you’re hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye through enemy territory or dropping bombs from the backseat of an F-18 fighter jet.
AVIATION MAINTENANCE DUTY OFFICER - You’re in charge of managing the repair and upkeep of our most lethal aviation assets—over eighty different types of aircraft. In addition to that, you manage hundreds of personnel, making this a job that requires a level of organization and focus that few can say they’ve mastered.
PAY AND BENEFITS
From the day you start, you’ll receive:
- Competitive salary
- Free health insurance
- Free housing
- A retirement plan
- 30 days paid vacation per year
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Beyond professional credentials and certifications, the Navy can help ease your financial burdens and advance your career with generous financial assistance and continuing education programs, including:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Navy Tuition Assistance Program
- Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
- Navy College Program
- VOLED Assistance Center
- VOLED Region Advisors
- Navy War College (NWC)
- USAF Air University Air Command and Staff College
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree
- Students may apply in last 12 months of pursuing degree
- U.S. citizen or equivalent
- 17 years of age or older
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
In the field of aviation, you’ll make the world your home. You may be assigned to sea or shore squadrons on almost any continent. You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of environments—airborne aircraft, hangars, flight decks, flight lines at air stations and on aircraft carriers.
PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES
Some of the above aviation jobs in the Navy Reserve are open only to prior or current military aviators.
What United States Navy employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About US Navy
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Washington, DC, US