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Alaska Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Baton Rouge, LA

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Cape Girardeau, MO · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Guilford, CT

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Saint Paul, MN

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Tunica, MS

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Natchez, MS

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Bucksport, ME

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Natchez, MS · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Cape Girardeau, MO

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Tampa, FL

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Providence, RI

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Fort Madison, IA

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Grand Rivers, KY

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Point Pleasant, WV · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Brunswick, GA

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Pittsburgh, PA

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Alton, IL

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Norfolk, VA

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

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All JobsAlaska Pilot Jobs

Alaska Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do alaska pilot jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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 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 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.

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 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.

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:
What job categories do people searching Alaska Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Alaska Pilot jobs are:
Alaska Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Alaska Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 35% Physical, and 65% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
River Pilot

River Pilot

American Cruise Lines

Baton Rouge, LA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

River Pilot
American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service.

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader. American Cruise Lines Nav Mates are experienced mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Our Nav Mates are prudent decision-makers continually assessing potential risk weeks, days, and hours ahead of the vessel and crew. Our Nav Mates are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.

Nav Mates enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
  • Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.
  • Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
  • Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records
  • Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.
Work Schedule:
  • Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.
Qualifications:
  • U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience.
  • Excellent communication skills and team-building skills.
  • Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Access to advanced simulator-based training.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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