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Cargo Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Vessel related port activities (Pilots, Tugs, Lines, anchoring) * Cargo related activities (gangs - incl. special cargo) * Ensure effective and cost efficient port Ops within the Area * Update ...

Vessel related port activities (Pilots, Tugs, Lines, anchoring) * Cargo related activities (gangs - incl. special cargo) * Ensure effective and cost efficient port Ops within the Area * Update ...

Showing results 21-30

Cargo Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$49.1K

$129.8K

$199.3K

How much do cargo pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for cargo pilot in Virginia is $129,793.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,100.00 and $153,700.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Cargo Pilot jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Cargo Pilot jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cargo Pilot jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Cargo Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Cargo Pilot job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,793 per year, or $62.4 per hour.

Associate Airline Economic & Financial Analyst

Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l.

Mclean, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

External Description
Associate Airline Economic & Financial Analyst
The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an Associate Analyst for our office in Tysons (McLean), Virginia. The Associate Analyst supports the Economic and Financial Analysis (E&FA) department by maintaining the databases and analytical resources that staff and pilot members rely on-including airline financial and operational data, macroeconomic indicators, and equity analyst research. Specific responsibilities include supporting analysts on collective bargaining and research projects, helping design and analyze pilot surveys, maintaining the pay and contract comparison tools that staff and pilot members reference in preparation for and during negotiations, help prepare legal exhibits for grievances and arbitrations, and contributing to monthly industry articles for Air Line Pilot magazine.
More particularly, as the central point of contact (POC) for E&FA databases, they maintain monthly Canada/U.S. economic indicators; quarterly Key Indicators for the U.S., Canadian, and Cargo sectors; quarterly Wall Street airline consensus forecasts; and, annual summaries covering executive compensation and historical profit-sharing - while keeping the consolidated pay-rate database current and producing contract comparisons across U.S. and Canadian passenger, cargo, and FFD sectors. As an analyst, they provide ad hoc statistical, economic, and financial analysis in support of negotiations; help design and analyze pilot surveys; support research and strategic projects for department analysts and leadership; and, at times, may be called upon to assist in preparing for arbitrations and other legal proceedings. They also contribute to outreach, drafting articles for the Air Line Pilot magazine and support the planning and running of E&FA's scheduling workshops, as well as assisting with departmental participation of hosted workshops and meetings.
Staff in this role generally advance to the Analyst level, where they work directly with pilot members on bargaining and economic projects. This position contributes meaningfully to the department and Association while building the industry knowledge and technical foundation that progression requires.
Travel: 10 - 20%.
ALPA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in a safe workplace. We prohibit discrimination, harassment and harmful behavior of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, caste, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics as outlined in federal or provincial laws. We highly value everyone and all are encouraged to apply, including minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities.
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
ALPA is a member-driven, staff supported, union with two internal professional unions.
Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Economics, Finance, or related field from an accredited college or university required; or, the equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Three (3) years of professional experience in economic, financial, or quantitative analysis required; five (5) or more years strongly preferred. At management discretion, additional equivalent experience and/or ALPA experience with proven expertise may be substituted for the above.
  • Experience managing and analyzing structured datasets, including sourcing, evaluating, and analyzing data from external and government sources.
  • Strong written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial or economic topics for a general audience.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including experience building and maintaining analytical models; familiarity with advanced functions and macros is a plus.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, with the ability to develop clear, professional presentations for varied audiences.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects independently and meet deadlines.

Valued experience - the following are not required but are considered strengths for this role:
  • Familiarity working with airline industry datasets, including DOT Form 41, OAG schedules, and/or Cirium data analytics.
  • Prior experience supporting labor relations, legal research, and/or industry analysis; prior ALPA experience a plus.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft 365 collaboration environments (SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive), including document libraries, metadata and access management.
  • Familiarity with data visualization or analytical tools such as Tableau, SQL, or Python.

Physical Demands:
Note: The physical demands described herein are characteristic of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential physical activities of this position described below.
Constantly operates a computer. Regularly required to maintain a stationary position; move about the office and the local metropolitan area; determine what others have said or written; and, converse with others and exchange accurate information.
Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and travel (locally and/or nationally). May also include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving, e.g., to pack, unpack, and/or move cases.
Occasionally required to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to twenty-five (25) pounds (lbs.). While on travel, could be responsible to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve luggage weighing as much as 50 lbs. (Assistance may not always be available.)
ALPA offers competitive salaries with terrific benefits, including:
  • 401k Plan with Non-Elective Employer Contribution of 12% plus 2% contribution into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) after 180 days of employment. No employee contribution required! Employees can choose to make pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions to the 401(k). The plan permits in-plan Roth conversions and has a 4-year vesting schedule. The MBCBP has a 3-year cliff vesting period;
  • Generous health care benefits on day one - Aetna PPO Plan, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, and a Kaiser HMO Plan (where available), which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for the employee, their spouse, and/or dependent children. Employees do not have to pay premiums if they enroll in the Aetna High Deductible Health Plan or the Kaiser HMO Plan;
  • 15 days paid vacation and 13 holidays per year plus 2 volunteer days per year;
  • Generous sick and bereavement leave;
  • Competitive parental leave;
  • Company-paid coverage for long term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment;
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts;
  • Retiree health plan and a retiree health account (retiree HRA). Funds in the retiree health account can be used to pay for eligible medical expenses in retirement;
  • Education Assistance Program that reimburses 100% of eligible expenses;
  • Optional benefits include a legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long term care insurance, and qualified transportation fringe benefits (where available); and,
  • Partial remote work opportunities are available after six months of service.

PROJECTED ANNUAL SALARY RANGE: $ 73,625.00 - $ 115,549.00
Relocation not provided.
Sponsorship not available for this position.
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