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Aviation Medical Examiner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Physicians with experience or interest in serving as an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) would have the opportunity to evaluate commercial aviators as part of a well-established aerospace medicine ...

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Aviation Medical Examiner information

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$32K

$81.9K

$133K

How much do aviation medical examiner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for aviation medical examiner in the United States is $81,910.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aviation medical examiner?

An Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) is a healthcare professional authorized by the aviation authority (such as the FAA in the U.S.) to conduct medical examinations for pilots and aircrew. Their role is to assess an applicant's physical and mental fitness to ensure they meet the medical standards required for flying. AMEs issue medical certificates based on the results of these evaluations, which are necessary for pilots to maintain their licenses. They also provide guidance on medical conditions that could impact aviation safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the aviation medical examiner position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aviation Medical Examiner, you need a medical degree with board certification (typically in internal or family medicine), expertise in aeromedical regulations, and a current, unrestricted medical license. Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant aviation authority, and proficiency in using digital record-keeping and reporting systems, are also essential. Excellent attention to detail, strong interpersonal communication, and sound judgment are key soft skills that set candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial to accurately assess pilots' fitness, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain public safety in aviation.

How hard is it to become an aviation medical examiner?

Becoming an aviation medical examiner requires meeting specific qualifications, including holding an appropriate medical license, having experience as a licensed physician, and completing FAA training and certification. The process involves a thorough application, background checks, and ongoing education to maintain certification, making it a rigorous but achievable path for qualified medical professionals.

How do you become an aviation medical examiner?

To become an aviation medical examiner, you must hold an appropriate medical license, typically an MD or DO, and complete FAA training and certification specific to aviation medicine. Applicants must also have relevant experience in aviation or aerospace medicine and pass a background check before being authorized to perform medical examinations for pilots.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an aviation medical examiner?

Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) primarily conduct medical examinations on pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation personnel to ensure they meet required health standards for safe operation. Their day typically includes reviewing medical histories, performing physical exams, interpreting laboratory results, and submitting detailed reports to the relevant aviation authority. AMEs often collaborate with other healthcare providers and maintain ongoing communication with regulatory agencies to stay updated on changes in medical standards. This role may also involve counseling applicants on disqualifying conditions and guiding them through special issuance processes when necessary.

More about Aviation Medical Examiner jobs
What cities are hiring for Aviation Medical Examiner jobs? Cities with the most Aviation Medical Examiner job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aviation Medical Examiner jobs? The most popular types of Aviation Medical Examiner jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Aviation Medical Examiner jobs? The top employers for Aviation Medical Examiner jobs are:
What states have the most Aviation Medical Examiner jobs? States with the most job openings for Aviation Medical Examiner jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aviation Medical Examiner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,910 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Medical Director - Flight Surgeon

Valor Healthcare, Inc.

Edwards, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Valor Healthcare rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

About Valor Healthcare

Valor Healthcare is a veteran- and physician-led provider of healthcare services for deserving, resilient patriots - including those who serve or have served in the military as well as those who devote their careers to government service. We aim to deliver high-quality care in a way that upholds the health of our nation's greatest asset: its people. Valor works hard to earn the trust of those who have faith in us to care for them with respect and through methods that lead to superior clinical outcomes.


Valor is different because of our people.

  • Our leadership team is comprised of veterans, clinicians, and business leaders dedicated to providing exceptional care and world-class patient experience.
  • Many of our colleagues have patriots in their families or are patriots themselves, building a company culture and commitment to customer service that is second to none.



Position Summary

Join a dynamic team as a Medical Director -Flight Surgeon working at NASA Occupational Health Services (OHS). This role supports daily operations, dedicated to ensuring the health, safety, and operational readiness of aerospace personnel. This vital role combines clinical expertise with aerospace medicine, supporting human spaceflight missions through comprehensive medical oversight, risk management, and health promotion. Be part of an innovative environment where your medical skills propel human exploration beyond Earth's bounds. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge space missions while advancing your career in aerospace medicine.


Core Responsibilities

  • Provide expert medical evaluations aviation medical examinations including NASA First, Second, and Third Class Aviation Medical Exams, FAA First, Second, and Third Class medical certification exams (i.e. must be a FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner), and NASA Qualified Non-crewmember certification, in addition to other duties consistent with required qualifications for the doctor (MD or DO) position
  • Develop and implement health and wellness plans tailored to the unique demands of spaceflight environments.
  • Manage medical emergencies using advanced airway management, trauma care, and acute pain management techniques.
  • Oversee the use of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems such as Epic to document patient data accurately and securely, ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Conduct clinical research related to aerospace medicine, including studies on physiology knowledge, radiation therapy effects, and neurocritical care.
  • Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams on discharge planning, post-acute care, and rehabilitation strategies for astronauts returning from missions.
  • Support telehealth initiatives for remote medical consultations and triage during space missions or ground operations.


Requirements

   Qualifications

  • MD (Doctor in Medicine) or DO (Doctor in Osteopathy) State of California Medical License verified by the Medical Board of California. 
  • Medical degree (MD or DO) with board certification in Aerospace Medicine or related specialty such as Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, or Family Medicine.
  • Federal Aviation Administration Senior Aviation Medical Examiner designation.
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification
  • Basic Life Support (Provider), certified by the American Heart Association. 
  • Certified by the CAOHC (Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation). 
  • Completion of the NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Heath) Spirometry Course
  • Certified, and Registered as an FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) Medical Examiner. 
  • Extensive experience in hospital or inpatient settings, demonstrating proficiency in patient assessment, vital signs monitoring, and medical records management.
  • Proven expertise with EMR systems like Epic or similar platforms; familiarity with CPT coding and ICD coding is preferred.
  • Critical care experience including neurocritical care, trauma medicine, or ICU experience is highly desirable.
  • Hands-on skills in airway management, suturing, IV infusion, and wound care are essential.
  • Knowledge of physiology principles relevant to aerospace environments such as cardiology, pulmonology, endocrinology, immunology, and sleep medicine is advantageous. Join us to advance human space exploration through exceptional medical expertise! Your dedication will help safeguard the health of astronauts venturing into the cosmos while enriching your professional journey in a fast-paced aerospace setting.


Final compensation will be based on relevant factors including work experience, skills, certifications, and internal equity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.






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