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Apprentice Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Archer Daniels Midland

$343 - $360/day

Pilot Apprentice - Ottawa, IL This is a full-time, non-exempt level position. Position Summary: * The ARTCO Pilot Apprentice Program is designed to develop our most qualified internal candidates into ...

Archer Daniels Midland

$340 - $360/day

Pilot Apprentice - Ottawa, IL This is a full-time, non-exempt level position. Position Summary: * The ARTCO Pilot Apprentice Program is designed to develop our most qualified internal candidates into ...

ADM

Pilot Apprentice - Ottawa, IL

Ottawa, IL

$340 - $360/hr

Pilot Apprentice - Ottawa, ILThis is a full-time, non-exempt level position.Position Summary:The ARTCO Pilot Apprentice Program is designed to develop our most qualified internal candidates into ...

ADM

Pilot Apprentice - Ottawa, IL

Ottawa, IL

$340 - $360/hr

Pilot Apprentice - Ottawa, ILThis is a full-time, non-exempt level position.Position Summary:The ARTCO Pilot Apprentice Program is designed to develop our most qualified internal candidates into ...

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Apprentice Pilot information

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$12

$22

$37

How much do apprentice pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice pilot in the United States is $22.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Apprentice Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectApprentice PilotFlight Instructor
Required CertificationsPrivate Pilot License (PPL), additional trainingCertified Flight Instructor (CFI), PPL or Commercial Pilot License
Work EnvironmentTraining flights, supervised flying hoursTeaching students, conducting flight lessons
Employer & Industry UsageFlight schools, airlines (as trainee)Flight schools, aviation training centers

Apprentice Pilots are in training to gain flying experience and obtain necessary licenses, often working under supervision. Flight Instructors are certified pilots who teach students how to fly, often after completing their own licensing. While both roles involve flight training, Apprentice Pilots focus on gaining experience, whereas Flight Instructors focus on teaching others.

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

To thrive as an Apprentice Pilot, you need foundational knowledge of aviation principles, strong situational awareness, and typically a private pilot's license or equivalent educational background. Familiarity with flight simulators, aviation navigation systems, and regulatory frameworks such as those set by the FAA or EASA is essential. Strong communication, decision-making skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safety, effective training, and readiness for advancement to more responsible flying duties.

What are apprentice pilots?

Apprentice pilots are individuals who are undergoing training to become fully licensed pilots. They typically work under the supervision of experienced pilots, learning about flight operations, navigation, safety procedures, and aviation regulations. Apprentice pilots may participate in both classroom instruction and hands-on flight training. This apprenticeship phase is essential for gaining the experience and flight hours required to qualify for advanced pilot certifications. The role helps prepare aspiring pilots for a career in commercial or professional aviation.

What are some common challenges faced by Apprentice Pilots during their initial training period?

Apprentice Pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to irregular schedules, managing the steep learning curve of complex aviation concepts, and developing effective communication skills for cockpit and air traffic interactions. Balancing hands-on flight training with rigorous theoretical study can be demanding, especially while adjusting to the high safety and procedural standards required in aviation. However, most training programs offer mentorship and structured feedback to help apprentices overcome these hurdles and build confidence as they progress.
What cities are hiring for Apprentice Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Apprentice Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Apprentice Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Apprentice Pilot jobs include:
Apprentice Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $45,806 per year, or $22 per hour.
Pilot Apprentice - Ottawa, IL

Pilot Apprentice - Ottawa, IL

Archer Daniels Midland

On-site

$343 - $360/day

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago

ADM rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 184 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

93rd of 356 rated logistics

Job description

Pilot Apprentice - Ottawa, IL
This is a full-time, non-exempt level position.
Position Summary:
  • The ARTCO Pilot Apprentice Program is designed to develop our most qualified internal candidates into industry leading Captains. ARTCO is confident that graduated Pilot Apprentice will be sufficiently trained to safely and efficiently operate towing vessels on the Inland Waterways.
  • Pay-  $343-$360 Range/Daily Rate
Job Responsibilities:
  • Complete the core components of the Pilot Apprentice program, including, but not limited to, Vessel Familiarization and Operations; Watch Standing; Environmental Protection; Safety and Emergency Response; Rules of the Road; Maneuvering; and Leadership
  • Additional duties and responsibilities as required or requested
Job Requirements:
  • Current, or ability to obtain, Apprentice Mate (Steersman) license
  • Successful completion and favorable evaluation of the Pilot Apprentice Program Tiers 1 through 3 as specified in the Pilot Apprentice Program guidelines
  • Promote the ADM Way and core Values
  • Ability to manage a diverse team
  • Able to communicate with all levels of the organization
  • Must have a demonstrated history of safe work behavior and a sincere desire to follow and improve upon safety policies and procedures
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Outlook, and Word
  • Problem solving and conflict resolution
  • Critical and creative thinking
  • Demonstrate time management and organization skills
  • Ability to coach, mentor, engage and develop workforce
  • Participate and lead strategic discussions and decisions
  • Complete trainings and attend meetings as required
  • Ability to work extended hours, evenings, weekends and Holidays 
  • Reliable transportation to and from work
  • Current Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card required.  If you do not have a TWIC card upon hire, you must apply for one within 5 days.
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to safely steer a vessel
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors and in varying conditions such as hot, cold, dusty, etc.
  • Standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time
  • Operating a keyboard
  • Kneeling and climbing stairs/ladders
  • Ability to work near or on large bodies of water, at various heights and in confined spaces
Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 
REF:106361BR

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