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Alaska Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ATS is looking for a Chief Pilot to work in Albuquerque, NM. The Rotary Wing Chief Pilot is a ... As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal ...

KY · On-site

This position is a Maintenance Test Pilot for the MH-47G helicopter. Duties include but are not ... As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal ...

KY · On-site

This position is a Maintenance Test Pilot for the MH-6 helicopter. Duties include but are not ... As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal ...

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Alaska Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do alaska pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for alaska 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 are Alaska pilots?

Alaska pilots are licensed professionals who operate various types of aircraft within the challenging and diverse environments of Alaska. They may fly commercial airlines, cargo planes, bush planes, or charter flights, often transporting people and goods to remote locations that are inaccessible by road. These pilots must possess specialized skills to navigate Alaska's unique terrain and weather conditions. Many Alaska pilots are also responsible for ensuring the safety of their passengers and cargo, conducting pre-flight checks, and maintaining communication with air traffic control. The role requires adaptability, strong decision-making skills, and extensive training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Alaska Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Alaska Pilot, you need an FAA commercial pilot license, strong navigation abilities, and extensive knowledge of aviation safety and weather patterns typical to Alaska. Familiarity with bush planes, GPS navigation systems, and survival equipment is often required, alongside specialized training for challenging terrain and remote airstrips. Exceptional decision-making, adaptability, and communication skills help pilots respond to rapidly changing conditions and coordinate with ground crews. These skills and qualities are critical to ensure safe, reliable operations in Alaska's unpredictable and rugged environment.

What is the difference between Alaska Pilot vs Alaska Commercial Pilot?

AspectAlaska PilotAlaska Commercial Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, specific endorsements for bush flyingCommercial Pilot Certificate, often with additional endorsements for cargo or passenger flights
Work EnvironmentBush strips, remote areas, often challenging weather conditionsAirports, charter services, cargo, and passenger flights within Alaska
Employer & Industry UsageAir taxi services, charter companies, government agenciesCommercial airlines, cargo carriers, charter operators

Alaska Pilots typically operate in remote, challenging environments requiring specialized skills and endorsements, while Alaska Commercial Pilots work for various commercial operators performing passenger or cargo flights across Alaska. Both roles require a Commercial Pilot Certificate, but their work settings and specific duties differ.

What are some unique challenges Alaska pilots face compared to pilots in other regions?

Alaska pilots often encounter challenging weather conditions, such as rapidly changing storms, low visibility, and extreme cold, which require advanced flying skills and adaptability. The rugged terrain and remote locations mean that pilots frequently land on unpaved airstrips, lakes, or even glaciers, demanding excellent situational awareness and precision. Collaboration with ground crews and local communities is vital for safety and mission success, and pilots must be prepared for a higher degree of self-reliance due to limited infrastructure and support in the Alaskan wilderness.
More about Alaska Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Alaska Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Alaska Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Alaska Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Alaska Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Alaska Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Horizon Air Pilot Development Program

Horizon Air Pilot Development Program

Alaska Airlines

Seatac, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


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

As a pilot for Horizon Air, you will be among the best in the regional airline industry as you fly throughout the West. To help keep you at the top of your game, we offer attractive compensation, development opportunities, a path to our mainline carrier Alaska Airlines, and a great team that's known for its skill and close-knit teamwork. 

Program Summary

The Pilot Development Program is geared toward pilot students whom are interested in a career with Horizon Air. As the regional carrier for Alaska Airlines, you will fly through some of the most beautiful parts of our country with advanced avionics at your fingertips that keep the flying fun. If you want to join a solid team with a strong company culture, we invite you to apply today. The program offers training, mentorship, and a defined path to starting a career with Horizon Air. Pilots sign an agreement to work for Horizon Air for a minimum of two years after reaching ATP minimums.

Key Duties

  • Attend program specific meetings as scheduled
  • Check in meetings scheduled with program director every 6 months
  • Complete monthly survey of flight hours

Required

  • Active Private Pilot License.
  • Valid unexpired FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
  • Valid FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit.
  • Valid US driver’s license.
  • Ability to provide accurate flight records including logbooks.
  • Successfully complete pilot development program in accordance with program guidelines (required for Horizon First Officer position).
  • Minimum of 18 years old.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Possess and maintain a valid passport allowing unrestricted travel, without a Temporary Resident Permit, to and from the U.S.

Program-Specific Leadership Expectations

  • Embody our values to own safety, do the right thing, be kind-hearted, deliver performance, and be remarkable.

Horizon Air

Our close-knit flight operations team orchestrates the daily operations of our airline, creating an airline people love from behind the scenes. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, you’ll use your expertise to create the situations that make guest experiences as safe and enjoyable as possible. You’ll be at the heart of how our airlines will achieve its goals and enjoy the opportunities you’ll have to create a long and satisfying career with us. 


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


We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA) employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees and do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information (including family medical history), political views or activity, or other legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. We may use your information to maintain the safety and security of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, its employees, and others as required or permitted by law. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.


Non-Exempt
Regular
Full-Time
7/14/2026
Seattle, WA - Pilots

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. 


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