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Airlines Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Commercial Airline Pilot, you will be responsible for safely operating aircraft, ensuring passenger safety, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and operational excellence.

As a Commercial Airline Pilot, you will be responsible for safely operating aircraft, ensuring passenger safety, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and operational excellence.

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Airlines Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do airlines pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for airlines 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 Airlines Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectAirlines PilotCommercial Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) licenseCommercial Pilot Certificate
Work EnvironmentPassenger flights for airlines, often scheduled routesCharter, cargo, or private flights, varied locations
Employer & Industry UsageMajor airlines, regional carriersPrivate companies, charter services, cargo carriers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding airline career pathsDifferent types of flying jobs

Airlines pilots typically work for commercial airlines, flying scheduled passenger routes and requiring an Airline Transport Pilot license. Commercial pilots operate a broader range of flights, including charter and cargo services, with a Commercial Pilot Certificate. While both roles involve flying aircraft, airlines pilots usually work for larger carriers with scheduled routes, whereas commercial pilots have more varied flying opportunities.

Are airline pilots in demand right now?

Airline pilots are currently in high demand due to industry growth and increased travel demand. The profession requires significant training, including obtaining an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, and job opportunities are expected to remain strong in the coming years.

What is an airlines pilot?

Airline pilots are highly trained professionals who operate aircraft to transport passengers and cargo on scheduled flights for commercial airlines. They are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the airplane, including pre-flight planning, navigation, communication with air traffic control, and managing any emergencies that arise during flight. Airline pilots typically work as part of a team, with a captain and a first officer (co-pilot) in the cockpit. They must adhere to strict safety regulations and maintain up-to-date knowledge of aviation technology and procedures. Becoming an airline pilot requires significant training, flight experience, and certification.

What are some common challenges airlines pilots face during irregular operations or unexpected situations?

Airline pilots frequently encounter challenges such as sudden weather changes, technical malfunctions, or air traffic delays that require quick decision-making and effective communication with crew and ground personnel. Managing these situations demands a calm demeanor, adherence to standard operating procedures, and the ability to adapt to dynamic environments. Pilots are extensively trained to handle such scenarios and typically rely on teamwork with co-pilots and cabin crew to ensure passenger safety and operational efficiency.

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

To thrive as an Airlines Pilot, you need an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, strong aviation knowledge, and extensive flight experience. Familiarity with aircraft navigation systems, flight management software, and simulator training is essential. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and clear communication are critical soft skills for handling complex scenarios and teamwork in the cockpit. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure passenger safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient flight operations.
More about Airlines Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Airlines Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Airlines Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Airlines Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Airlines Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Airlines Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

First Officer - Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Seatac, WA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Alaska Airlines rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 26 rated airlines


Job description

Alaska Airlines

As a pilot at Alaska Airlines, you are committed to living our values. You “Own safety” and “Deliver performance” on the job and in your community. And in very noticeable ways, you “Do the right thing,” aim to “Be caring and kind” These are the traits all Alaska Airlines pilots show their guests and coworkers throughout their careers.


The First Officer is responsible for ensuring a safe journey and a positive experience for all of our guests while continually maintaining a high-level of professionalism. This is a union represented position.


  • Perform as Second in Command in the transport of passengers, mail, freight, or for other commercial purposes.
  • Comply with Federal Aviation Regulations, Company Flight Procedures, and Company Policies on scheduled flights and routes to ensure safety of flight.
  • Conduct business in a professional manner and demeanor at all times.
  • Operate Company aircraft adhering to established Qualification Standards and all Flight Manual operating procedures and policies.
  • Communicate with all required agencies and personnel while adhering to Company Communication Practices.
  • Must have knowledge commensurate with holder of airline transport pilot certificate and have knowledge of all aspects of applicable FARs and AIM.

Required

  • Minimum of 1,500 hours of total documented flight time.
  • A current First Class FAA Medical Certificate.
  • Minimum of 500 hours of fixed wing turbine time (airplane and powered lift combined).
  • Must possess and/or obtain a current passport with unlimited access in and out of the United States and have at least six months of validity remaining at time of employment. Employees with non-U.S. passports also will need any appropriate travel documentation.
  • Ability to travel immediately and repeatedly to any location, domestic or international, where Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flies.
  • FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument-Airplane.
  • All aeronautical experience requirements for an ATP, Airplane category rating, as set forth in 14 CFR §61.159.
  • Current ATP written exam.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. 
  • Must possess a valid Driver’s License issued by a US state or US territory.
  • Must be comfortable with a domicile in Seattle, WA; Los Angeles, CA; Anchorage, AK; Portland, OR; San Diego, CA; or San Francisco, CA.
  • Excellent judgement, leadership skills, demonstrated commandability and maturity.
  • Professional demeanor and appearance.
  • Ability to use sound judgement in decision making.
  • Ability to maintain composure under pressure.
  • Minimum 23 years of age.
  • Must be Authorized to work in the U.S.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred

  • Four-year degree from an accredited university.
  • An FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
  • 500 hours of multi-engine airplane time.
  • Minimum of 50 hours of flight time within the last 12 months.
  • 500 hours of turbine PIC time.
  • Turbojet/ turbo prop experience in a complex flying environment.

Important notification for employees working at an airport or maintenance hangar: Employees will be required to obtain a SIDA badge provided by the airport authority and maintain good standing in order to keep their SIDA badge. Review the SIDA Badge Requirements document for a comprehensive overview. If an employee does not qualify for a SIDA badge or has their SIDA badge pulled from them, the employee will be terminated. 


Embody our values to own safety, do the right thing, be caring and kind, and deliver performance.


Alaska Seniority List Pay Details: 

  • First year pay rate: $129.71 (per contract)
  • Monthly pay guarantee: 70 hours
  • Reserve pay guarantee: 75 hours (long call); 84 hours (short call)

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air pay and benefits can vary by company, location, number of regularly scheduled hours worked, length of employment, and employment status.

  • This role pays per collective bargaining agreement.
  • Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Horizon Air
  • Comprehensive well-being programs including medical, dental and vision benefits
  • Generous 401k contribution/match program
  • Annual bonus plans
  • Generous holiday and paid time off

For more information about Alaska/Hawaiian/Horizon Total Rewards please visit our career site and view benefits.


Non-Exempt
Regular
12/31/2026
Seattle - Airport (Pilot & FA)

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement  

It is the policy of Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and to ensure equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and benefits of employment or potential employment.   

We also prohibit discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected categories.  

We have established an EEO Compliance Program under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 503”) and the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (“VEVRAA”).  All applicants and employees are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. In addition, we have established an audit and reporting system to allow for effective measurement of its equal employment opportunity activities.   

To implement this policy, we will: 

(1) Recruit, hire, train and promote qualified persons in all job titles, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and any other legally protected categories; 
(2) Ensure that employment decisions are based only on valid job requirements; and 
(3) Ensure that all personnel actions and employment activities such as compensation, benefits, promotions, layoffs, return from layoff, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air sponsored programs, and tuition assistance will be administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected categories. 

Employees and applicants for employment will not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion or discrimination because they have engaged or may engage in (1) filing a complaint, (2) opposing any act or practice made unlawful by, or exercising any other right protected by, any Federal, State or local law requiring equal opportunity, including Section 503 and the equal opportunity provisions of VEVRAA, or (3) assisting or participating in any investigation, compliance evaluation, hearing, or any other activity related to the administration of any Federal, State or local law requiring equal opportunity, including Section 503 and the equal opportunity provisions  of VEVRAA. 

Government Contractor & Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations 
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Horizon Air are regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT – regulations, 49 CFR part 40) and all applicants are advised that post-offer and/or pre-employment drug testing will be conducted to determine the presence of marijuana, cocaine, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamines or a metabolite of these drugs prior to any offer or employment or transfer into a safety-sensitive position. Failure to submit to testing or positive indications of drug use will render the applicant ineligible for employment with Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines/Horizon Air and any employment offer will be withdrawn. 


Frontline
2026-20137

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