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Cargo Flying Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Pilot/Operations Officer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Up to 20% Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Project Pilot/Operations Officer for the Cargo ... 2 flying duty medical examination. * Must meet the minimum flight time and qualification ...

Astrion

Pilot/Operations Officer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$131K - $135K/yr

Up to 20% Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Project Pilot/Operations Officer for the Cargo ... 2 flying duty medical examination. * Must meet the minimum flight time and qualification ...

NAC/NAMS

NAC MGR Aircraft Records

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Northern Air Cargo :(NAC) has served as the largest all-cargo airline in Alaska since 1956 and ... Aloha Tech Ops : (ATO) provides aircraft maintenance and repair services to several airlines flying ...

Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command

$64K - $83K/yr

Develops quarterly flying schedule from annual flying requirements. Builds and reviews monthly ... cargo and passenger operations. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work ...

NAC/NAMS

NAC MGR Aircraft Records

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Northern Air Cargo :(NAC) has served as the largest all-cargo airline in Alaska since 1956 and ... Aloha Tech Ops : (ATO) provides aircraft maintenance and repair services to several airlines flying ...

NAC/NAMS

GSE Mechanic

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

... cargo including perishables and priority packages per day to all major Hawaiian destinations. Aloha Tech Ops (ATO): Provides aircraft maintenance and repair services to several airlines flying to ...

Menzies Aviation

Ramp Agent

Tamuning, GU

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

... flying overhead? Embrace your passion for aviation and let your career take off with Menzies Aviation. As a leading global provider of Passenger Services, Ramp Handling, Cargo Handling, Technical ...

Skyways

Senior Flight Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

Senior Flight Operator Skyways designs, builds, and operates fully autonomous long-range cargo ... Beyond flying, you will raise the operational bar: developing procedures, leading readiness reviews ...

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Cargo Flying information

See salary details

$13

$21

$36

How much do cargo flying jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo flying in the United States is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the unique challenges cargo pilots face compared to passenger airline pilots?

Cargo pilots often fly during overnight hours and operate in less predictable schedules, which can be demanding for personal routines. Additionally, they may land at smaller or remote airports with limited ground support and variable weather conditions. Unlike passenger pilots, cargo pilots typically have less direct interaction with customers, but they collaborate closely with ground crews and logistics teams to ensure timely and safe delivery of freight. The role requires adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage flights under varying operational constraints.

What is cargo flying?

Cargo flying refers to the transportation of goods and freight by aircraft, rather than passengers. Cargo pilots operate specialized planes or converted passenger jets to deliver packages, mail, and industrial goods across domestic and international routes. These flights are essential for global trade, ensuring fast delivery of perishable items, medical supplies, and other time-sensitive shipments. Cargo flying often involves night flights and can require pilots to handle unique logistical and operational challenges compared to passenger airline operations.

What is the difference between Cargo Flying vs Cargo Handling?

AspectCargo FlyingCargo Handling
Primary RolePiloting aircraft to transport cargoManaging and loading cargo at airports
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, specific aircraft ratingsNone specific, often requires OSHA or safety training
Work EnvironmentIn the cockpit, on aircraftAirport terminals, cargo warehouses
Industry UsageAirlines, cargo carriersAirports, freight companies

While Cargo Flying involves piloting aircraft to deliver cargo, Cargo Handling focuses on managing and preparing cargo for transport at airports. Both roles are essential in the air freight industry but require different skills and certifications.

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

To thrive as a Cargo Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, extensive flight hours, and knowledge of aviation regulations and cargo procedures. Familiarity with flight planning software, aircraft navigation systems, and cargo handling equipment is typically required. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing unexpected challenges and coordinating with ground crews. These skills and qualities ensure safe, timely, and efficient transport of goods under varying conditions.
More about Cargo Flying jobs
What states have the most Cargo Flying jobs? States with the most job openings for Cargo Flying jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cargo Flying jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cargo Flying jobs are:
Cargo Flying jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cargo Flying job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,812 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Seasonal Seaplane Pilot

Kawanti Adventures

Ketchikan, AK • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 hours ago

Job description

Taquan Air in Ketchikan is looking to fill seasonal full-time pilot positions starting May 1st, 2024 through September 30th, 2024.
We operate DeHavilland Beavers and Turbine Otters on straight floats exclusively. All pilot positions involve flying freight and mail to multiple destinations near Ketchikan, as well as on and around Prince of Wales Island. The summer season will include flight seeing tours to the Misty Fjords National Monument and surrounding areas. Applicants must be physically fit and able to load and unload cargo, have good customer service skills, be able to work well with others as part of a team, with good judgement and a safety-first frame of mind.


REQUIREMENTS FOR PILOTS:

  • Commercial Pilot Certificate with Airplane Single-engine Sea Rating
  • 1000 hours total time
  • 100 hours cross-country time, including 25 hours night cross-country time
  • Instrument Rating (per FAR 135.243)
  • Taquan Air will consider a variety of experience levels, however you do need200 hours float time minimum.
  • A history of instructing seaplane applicants is a definite plus.


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