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Cargo Pilot Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Cargo Pilot information

See Michigan salary details

$43.1K

$114.1K

$175.2K

How much do cargo pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for cargo pilot in Michigan is $114,106.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,200.00 and $135,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 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.

How much do cargo pilots get paid?

Cargo pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, airline, and flight hours. Experienced cargo pilots with additional certifications can earn higher salaries, especially when flying long-haul or international routes.

What are popular job titles related to Cargo Pilot jobs in Michigan?

For Cargo Pilot jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Cargo Pilot jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Cargo Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Cargo Pilot job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,106 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (COOPER CAMPUS)

Covenant HealthCare

Saginaw, MI

$14 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Covenant HealthCare rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

422nd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview:

Temporary Rotor Wing Pilot - LifeSaver
Evergreen, AL
EMS Air Medical Aircraft:  B407 (VFR)
Off-Duty Housing and $15,000 Sign-on Bonus Available

AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE!

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, while providing our pilots with work/life balance. Our #1 objective is to ensure safety to/from every time, so come join our growing and high-performing culture, sparked by teammates who deliver on being the best!

Experience the best of South Alabama while flying a mission that truly matters with Air Methods in Evergreen.
Enjoy small-town charm with easy access to Montgomery, Mobile, and Pensacola, giving you the perfect balance of career and lifestyle.
Spend your days off exploring Conecuh National Forest, the pristine beaches of Alabama's Gulf Coast, or the sugar-white sands of Pensacola Beach.
Outdoor enthusiasts can fish, boat, and unwind at nearby Gantt Lake, with even more adventures waiting across the region's scenic waterways and parks.
If you're looking for meaningful flying, Southern hospitality, and endless weekend adventures, Evergreen is an exceptional place to call home.

Benefits

Air Methods is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package created with the diverse needs of our teammates in mind:

  • Health, Dental and Vision
  • Competitive 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Spending Account Benefit Plans
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Full Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Business Travel Accident Insurance
  • Voluntary Legal
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Employee Assistance and Benefit Concierge Service Programs

Job Summary

Responsible to ensure aircraft and weather conditions are airworthy to transport medical crew and patient to receiving hospital within an assigned operational area. Responsible for compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), General Operations Manual guidelines (GOM), and thorough knowledge of Air Methods policies and procedures.

Responsibilities:

Essential Functions and Responsibilities 

  • Operates Air Methods aircraft in a safe and legal manner.
  • Completes pre-flight before every flight verifying the aircraft is in an airworthy condition by sign off of Daily Flight Log. Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight and upon completion of each flight.
  • Final authority with regard to operations of aircraft and for the safety of passengers, cargo and equipment.
  • Must be thoroughly familiar with all aircraft and medical systems of backup aircraft utilized at operational area and also ensures that the medical flight team is familiar and comfortable with the medical interior and systems.
  • Responsible for completion of required documentation.
  • Able to conduct detailed flight planning with little notice to exacting standards.
  • Participates regularly in Air Methods meetings, activities, projects, committees and community outreach.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Requirements

  • Regular scheduled attendance - 7 days on/7 days off (12-hour shifts)

Subject to applicable laws and Air Method’s' policies, regular attendance is an essential function of the position. All employees must follow Air Methods’ employment practices and policies.

Qualifications:

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position.

Education & Experience

  • Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school and two  to five years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred

 Skills

  • Pilots must have flown in category for a commercial operator or in the military within the previous 24 months
  • Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals and the public and strives to maintain a friendly and professional working environment

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Program - Minimum Required Flight Times: 

  • 2000 total flight hours with minimum of 1500 flight hours in category
  • 1000 hours PIC in category
  • 500 hours of rotor wing turbine time
  • 200 hours of cross-country flight time, at least 50 hours of which were at night
  • 100 hours unaided night as PIC (50 hours of unaided can be substituted for by 100 hours of NVG time, but cannot be reduced below 50 hours of unaided time)
  • 50 hours total actual or hood instrument time in flight and in category (simulator time does not count) (for a RW candidate who is FW rated, 100 hours or greater of FW actual or hood Instrument time can reduce the RW required instrument time to 25 hours). 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

  • Commercial & Instrument Rating (for category and class of aircraft)
  • ATP rating in category meets this requirement
  • First OR Second Class FAA Medical certificate required.

Operation and Safety Requirements:

  • As a member of the Flight Crew, any person employed in this position shall maintain a weight not to exceed 250 pounds and shall be less than seventy (70) years old.

Internal Bidding Ends: 08/05/2026

Benefits:

For more information on our industry-leading benefits, please visit our benefits page here. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities:

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Air Methods is an EEO/AA employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. 


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