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Cargo Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ameriflight

BE-1900 Captain Cargo Pilot

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$87K/yr

Our diversified portfolio of offerings allow major cargo integrators, manufacturers, aircraft ... Base salary is $87,006 annually Pilot Benefits: * Ameriflight is a proud partner of the UPS ...

Army National Guard Units

$131K - $171K/yr

Cargo Helicopter (CH-47); Utility Helicopter (UH-60 series), (LUH-72 series) and others when ... Serves as pilot-in-command while operating single and/or multi-engine rotary wing aircraft to ...

Astrion

Pilot/Operations Officer

Huntsville, AL

$131K - $135K/yr

Up to 20% Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Project Pilot/Operations Officer for the Cargo-Fixed Wing Division of the U.S. Army Aviation Flight Test Directorate located at Redstone Arsenal in ...

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-Fixed Wing Division of the U.S. Army Aviation Flight Test Directorate located at Redstone Arsenal in ...

Universal Benefits Marketing Firm,

Be Seen First

Pilot

Sumter, SC · On-site

The Pilot will focus on transporting passengers and cargo, determining the safest routes, analyzing flight plans and weather conditions, calculating fuel, and inspecting operation systems and ...

Urgent

Reliable Robotics

Part 135 Line Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Reliable Airlines is a cargo feeder operator, operating for a major cargo carrier since June 2022 ... As the Pilot in Command, you will be responsible to monitor the loading of cargo and ensure a ...

Reliable Robotics

Part 135 Line Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Reliable Airlines is a cargo feeder operator, operating for a major cargo carrier since June 2022 ... As the Pilot in Command, you will be responsible to monitor the loading of cargo and ensure a ...

Clayton Homes

Pilot Escort Driver

Addison, AL

The Pilot/Escort Driver must assist the Toter driver in preparing and maintaining the cargo for shipment and delivery. This includes "flagging" out the home, changing flat tires, performing pre-trip ...

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Cargo Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do cargo pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for cargo 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 a Cargo Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cargo Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong aeronautical knowledge, and extensive flight experience, often including an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Proficiency with flight management systems, navigation tools, and adherence to aviation safety regulations is essential. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making skills, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the safe, timely, and efficient transport of cargo, even under challenging conditions and tight schedules.

What Does a Cargo Pilot Do?

The job of a cargo pilot is to transport goods or freight for a company. A cargo pilot occasionally handles special or dangerous materials and checks cargo lists and storage systems to ensure everything meets transportation safety guidelines. These pilots may fly at night, remain in a cockpit for several hours at a time, and sign paperwork when they deliver the products to a destination. Most fly solely between airports of various sizes while following a schedule set by the company. Depending on the size of the company and plane, the responsibilities of a cargo pilot may include cleaning and maintenance. The qualifications you need to become a cargo pilot include a commercial pilot license.

What are some common challenges faced by cargo pilots during international flights?

Cargo pilots on international routes often encounter challenges such as navigating complex customs regulations, managing tight delivery schedules across multiple time zones, and adapting to varying weather conditions. They may also experience irregular sleep patterns due to overnight flights and changing schedules. Effective communication with ground crews and logistics teams is essential to ensure timely deliveries and resolve any unexpected issues that arise during transit.

What is the difference between Cargo Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectCargo PilotCommercial Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, second-class medical, specific cargo endorsementsCommercial Pilot Certificate, second-class medical, may include passenger or other endorsements
Work EnvironmentFreight and cargo transport, often in cargo aircraft or small planesVarious flying activities including aerial work, charter flights, and cargo
Industry UsagePrimarily in freight and logistics sectorsBroader aviation roles including cargo, aerial photography, and flight training

Both Cargo Pilots and Commercial Pilots require similar certifications, but Cargo Pilots specialize in freight transport, often flying cargo aircraft. Commercial Pilots have a wider range of flying roles, including cargo, but also other aviation services. The choice depends on your career focus within the aviation industry.

Do pilots make $400 an hour?

Cargo pilots can earn around $50 to $150 per hour, depending on experience, aircraft type, and employer. Top-tier cargo pilots with extensive experience and specialized certifications may earn higher wages, but $400 an hour is uncommon in the industry.

What does a cargo pilot do?

A cargo pilot is responsible for flying aircraft that transport goods, packages, and freight rather than passengers. Their duties include planning flight routes, ensuring the safe loading and unloading of cargo, conducting pre-flight inspections, and navigating flights according to safety regulations. Cargo pilots often work irregular hours and may fly both domestically and internationally, sometimes overnight or in challenging weather. They play a crucial role in keeping global supply chains running efficiently.

How to make 500,000 a year as a pilot?

Cargo pilots can earn up to $500,000 annually by flying for major logistics companies, gaining extensive experience, and working long hours or multiple shifts. Advanced certifications, seniority, and flying large or specialized aircraft also contribute to higher earnings in this field.

How much do cargo jet pilots make?

Cargo jet pilots typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, airline, and flight hours. Experienced pilots with additional certifications and longer flight hours can earn higher salaries, especially in large freight companies operating international routes.

Is there a demand for cargo pilots?

Cargo pilots are in steady demand due to the growth of e-commerce and global shipping needs. They typically require specific certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot license and experience with large aircraft, and employment opportunities are influenced by economic conditions and airline fleet expansions.
More about Cargo Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Cargo Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Cargo Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cargo Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Cargo Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Cargo Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Cargo Pilot jobs include:
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Cargo Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cargo Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
BE-1900 Captain Cargo Pilot

BE-1900 Captain Cargo Pilot

Ameriflight LLC

Bellingham, WA

$87K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description

Ameriflight, LLC is the nation's largest Part 135 Cargo airline and the unparalleled leader in scalable, outsourced aviation services to the regional express airfreight market. Our diversified portfolio of offerings allow major cargo integrators, manufacturers, aircraft operators and freight forwarders to adapt to the ever-changing demands and speed of a modern air cargo supply chain.


We operate over 120 dedicated cargo aircraft, including the Saab 340B, Embraer 120, Fairchild SA227, Beechcraft 1900, and Beechcraft 99 from bases across the U.S.


About This Position

  • Captain in Beechcraft BE1900
  • Outstation domiciled in Bellingham, WA (BLI), departing M-F evening, laying over in Seattle (BFI) and returning the following morning
    • Hotel provided in BFI
    • If you would prefer to live in Seattle, we will provide a hotel in BLI M-F, as well as a company vehicle to commute between BLI and BFI on weekends. You will be responsible for housing and transportation in Seattle
  • Base salary is $87,006 annually


Pilot Benefits:

  • Ameriflight is a proud partner of the UPS Flightpath Pathway Program
  • Jumpseat privileges with CASS partners, including American, Alaska, Allegiant, Atlas Air, FedEx, Frontier, Horizon, JSX, Omni Air, Southwest, United, UPS and more.
  • Known Crew Member (KCM) privileges available
  • Paid training, including transportation, lodging, and per diem
  • Company paid Type-Rating
  • Reimbursement for Pilot Medical Certificate (not retroactive to pre-hire)
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
  • Company provided Life Insurance
  • Vacation
  • 401K

Requirements

  • Must meet FAR 135.243(c) requirements for PIC in IFR conditions
  • 1,800 TT, 1000 PIC, 500 hours XC (defined at point to point), 250 multi, 100 turbine, 100 hours instrument (50 must be in aircraft), 100 hours night
  • Previous FAR121/135 experience
  • Instrument Proficiency Check or 121/135 recurrent within past 6 months
  • Commercial Pilot License multi-engine land with instrument rating, high performance and complex endorsements
  • First Class or Second Class Medical (First Class required for international operations)
  • FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
  • Current Passport
  • English Proficient
  • Must be eligible to work in the U.S. and travel unrestricted in and out of the U.S.
  • Must meet airport badging requirements, including a TSA Security background check
  • Must have and maintain a valid Driver's License and meet all company insurance criteri

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

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