ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cargo Pilot Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

All JobsCargo Pilot JobsCargo Pilot Jobs in Washington

Cargo Pilot information

See Washington salary details

$56.1K

$148.3K

$227.7K

How much do cargo pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for cargo pilot in Washington is $148,275.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,300.00 and $175,600.00 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.
More about Cargo Pilot jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Cargo Pilot jobs in Washington?

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Cargo Pilot jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Cargo Pilot jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Cargo Pilot jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Cargo Pilot job openings:

Cargo Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cargo Pilot job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,275 per year, or $71.3 per hour.

IKD Donations Inventory Coordinator

A Wider Circle

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

$25.64/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 hours ago

Job description

Job Summary
A Wider Circle is looking for passionate, reliable individuals to help bring our mission to life. In this hands-on role, you'll be the welcoming face and strong support behind our work-receiving donations of furniture and household goods and ensuring they reach individuals and families living in poverty who come to our Center for Community Service. Experience the deep impact of serving those who need it most, and be part of a team that's changing lives every day.
The Coordinator will support the in-kind donations program, specifically including the daily unloading of in-kind donations (furniture, clothing, small accessories) from the personal vehicles of donors as well as from trucks that have picked up donations from across the region. You will also be responsible for assessing the quality of those donated items as they come in and keeping the warehouse organized and ready for visitors. This role also involves making sure that donors and clients have a positive experience when visiting our facility. Lastly, you will go on truck routes to pick up donations in the region and deliver furniture items. Please note that availability to work on Saturdays is a requirement for this position.
Essential functions-primary responsibilities
  • Receive donations at our Center for Community Service, unload vehicles, and interact with donors and record donor demographic information.
  • Sort and organize donations in the warehouse as well as assessing the quality of donations.
  • Assist truck drivers as a "co-pilot," helping with navigation and backing up trucks
  • Go into donors homes to safely and efficiently remove donations to bring back to the center
  • Load client vehicles with furniture items with care and attention.
  • Ability to work in different climate conditions.
  • Direct donor and client vehicles in the parking lot to ensure smooth traffic flow

Guiding Principles
  • Value the people we work with, guests, volunteers, and all others who support our work.
  • Seek to maintain a harmonious environment for the safety, comfort, and personal growth of all who enter and work in our space.
  • Celebrate the diversity of thought, ideas, and expression.
  • Meet people and organizations where they are, with what they want and need.
  • Build relationships through rapport, trust, and communication.
  • Recognize that all who enter this space have their own pathway and story.
  • Listen attentively, seek to understand, and assume positive intent.
  • Practice compassion in all our interactions to ensure this is a safe and comfortable space for all.

Required Skills /Abilities
  • Physical strength required to lift furniture items and transport them around the warehouse with hand trucks
  • The ability to work carefully while moving furniture in confined spaces (trucks, stairways, donor's homes)
  • Ability to function well in a high-paced and, at times, stressful environment.
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Good verbal communication skills.
  • Comprehension of safety policies and procedures.
  • Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Required education and experience
  • One year of work or volunteer experience
  • High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent

Preferred Education and experience
  • One year of experience working in direct service or customer service settings.
  • Experience working with individuals and families living in poverty.
  • Experience working in the transport, moving, or hauling industry.
  • Ability to become a driver if operational needs of the team change.

Additional eligibility requirements:
Work authorization/security clearance requirements
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States

Work environment
The Coordinator will work in a warehouse environment and outdoors in different weather climates. When on the road, travel is a truck cab with a driver or in the front of a cargo van.
Physical demands
Capable of lifting 100 pounds or more with assistance. This job requires consistently lifting arms high and bending knees often. Must be able to withstand a variety of changing weather conditions.
Other duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
Travel required
None daily. Travel is required within the DMV as a co-pilot.
Affirmative Action/EEO Statement
A Wider Circle is committed to having a diverse team and ensuring that all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender (including gender identity or expression), religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or other non-merit factors. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Apply