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Cargo Pilot Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Cargo Pilot information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$51.7K

$136.7K

$210K

How much do cargo pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for cargo pilot in Springfield, VA is $136,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $161,900.00 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 job categories do people searching Cargo Pilot jobs in Springfield, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cargo Pilot jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Cargo Pilot jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Cargo Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Cargo Pilot job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,745 per year, or $65.7 per hour.

HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR / EVALUATOR (Title 32) with Security Clearance

Department of the Army

Sterling, VA • On-site

$90K - $113K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


United States Army rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 495 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties As a HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR / EVALUATOR (Title 32) with the Texas Army National Guard, your duties will include, but will not be limited to: * Performs preflight weather analysis, route and altitude selections, alternate airport selection, fuel, cargo and passenger load computations, selection of refueling stops, preflight inspections, flight plan filing, and firing ranges route planning/coordination. Incorporates precision, non-precision, and GPS route navigation and instrument approaches in all mission planning and must be knowledgeable in all aspects of their operations. Maintains and studies current and complete files of aeronautical publications, navigation charts, instrument approach procedures, and air traffic control procedures. * Performs one or more of the following major functional duties: * a. Serves as rotary wing Instrument Flight Examiner (IE): Conducts instrument flight qualifications and training which includes, instrument flight planning, precision handling and maneuvering of the aircraft, navigation using the aircraft navigation instruments and systems, air traffic control operations, approach, departure, and holding procedures, and use of the ILS. Conducts initial instrument standardization rides for new air crew members and as a minimum conducts annual check rides for assigned and attached pilots. * b. Serves as rotary wing Standardization Instructor Pilot (SIP): Trains and evaluates IP's and provides technical supervision of the standardization program. Ensures flight crew proficiency and qualification records are standardized and kept current. * Serves are Maintenance Test Pilot Examiner (ME)/Functional Check Pilot (FCP) Evaluator: Serves as rotary wing Maintenance Test Pilot Examiner/Function Check Pilot Evaluator. Trains and evaluates ME/FCP's and provides technical supervision and standardization of the maintenance program. Maintains requirements and performs function of technical inspector for aircraft assigned. Ensures ME/FCP pilot proficiency and qualification records are standardized and kept current. Maintains requirements and performs function of technical inspector for aircraft assigned. * Serves as rotary wing Unit Trainer/Evaluator (UT/E) or Instructor Pilot (IP): Trains and evaluates aviators on basic and advanced flight techniques. This includes the procedures to use in emergencies and malfunctions over rough terrain, e.g., hills and forests both day and night. Training includes instruction and evaluation for operating unique electronics equipment, such as precision, non-precision, and GPS route navigation and approaches. Conducts initial standardization flight evaluations for new air crew members and annual evaluations for assigned and attached pilots, including local aircraft transitions including refresher training. Serves as pilot-in-command while operating single and/or multi-engine rotary wing aircraft to perform airlift support for DOD personnel, emergency medical evacuations, aerial fire suppression support, paradrops, rescue, and Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) operations. May be required to transport classified, chemical, or other hazardous cargo. May be required to perform extended flights to and from a wide variety of points, with responsibility for safely transporting passengers and/or classified, chemical, or other hazardous cargo. Pilot will possess competency on all aviation matters that will encompass safety as the number one priority, demonstrate a consistent mature judgment and maintain a high degree of pilot proficiency for conducting flight missions under visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR). Flights may be performed with a combination of day, night, and night vision goggle (NVG) operations under both favorable and unfavorable environmental conditions (fog, sleet, ice, rain, snow, high winds, low ceilings) over both favorable and unfavorable terrain (mountains, water, desert, swamp, forest) which may require a transfer from IFR condition to marginal VFR condition for landing at remote locations. Locations may include a combination of confined areas with unfavorable terrain and obstacles and high altitude requiring an in-depth performance planning for take-off and landings under heavy load conditions. Flights could be conducted with a combination of unfavorable weather conditions, over unfavorable terrain or water at both low altitude and slow airspeed, at maximum gross weight, which are outside the recommended flight envelops for safe flight and/or involve the use of techniques employed as to avoid detection, and often entail prolonged periods of flying. Such flights, maintenance test flights, and low-level flights are such that a safe emergency landing would be difficult and would require a very high degree of pilot skill. Pilot will adhere to existing Army flight regulations and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. * Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Conditions of employment Appointment Factor(s): This is an Excepted Service position that requires active membership in a compatible military assignment in the Texas Army National Guard and wear of the military uniform. Areas of Consideration: Nationwide Excepted. This includes: * All currently employed full-time permanent, indefinite and temporary personnel of the Texas National Guard. * All current members of the Texas Army National Guard and individuals eligible for membership in the Texas Army National Guard. Remarks: * The Texas National Guard is an Equal Opportunity employer. * Veterans' preference is not applicable to this position. * Direct deposit is mandatory. * Trial period required (see additional information) Military Requirements A military skill set is determined by the applicable service classification and qualification requirements. Upon selection, individuals are assigned to a compatible military skill in accordance with Army or Air Force skill classification directives, statutes, and National Guard Bureau regulations. The Dual Status technician must obtain and maintain all military certifications OR Federal Aviation Administration certificates; current aeronautical ratings, medical and flight physical requirements, and qualifications for aviation service, military skill requirements in training, education, certifications, and experience. Army National Guard Officer Branch 67 - Medical Service Corps 15 Series Rank Spread: Warrant Officer: W-3/CW3 Not to Exceed CW5 Officer: O-3 (CPT) Not to Exceed O-5 (LTC) Applicants must: 1. Prior to appointment, an applicant's military medical record must indicate a completed and current medical physical, flight physical, medical profile, and completed/cleared drug test. 2. Possess a valid state driver's license to operate government motor vehicles, for the state in which they live or are principally employed, in accordance with Army and Air Force Vehicle Operations Directives; and, 3. Qualify to operate government motor vehicles and vehicular equipment for "Maintenance Purposes Only" according to Army or Air Force Vehicle Maintenance Operations Directives. Qualifications In describing your experience in your resume, please be clear and specific. Assumptions regarding your experience will not be made. To be considered for qualification, your resume must include relevant experience with beginning and ending dates of employment/experience reflecting the following: Mandatory Qualification Requirements - Eligibility requirements for Dual Status technician positions in this occupation are based on the candidate's possession of Federal Aviation Administration pilot certificates -OR- appropriate military certifications, military ratings in the main-frame military aircraft of employment, and the required competencies (knowledge, skills, and abilities). Specialized Experience Required Warrant Officers: Applicants must demonstrate the following specialized experience competencies (skills, knowledge, and abilities) to qualify for entry appointments to GS-2181-13 Army National Guard Dual Status Warrant Officer positions. Qualification competencies are determined by three factors: The aircraft operated; the nature and purpose of assignments; and, the degree of hazard. For Army National Guard positions, must have working experiences in civilian aviation programs; or, in military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or, in the Army National Guard Aviation Support facilities; or, in Air National Guard Wing/ Operations Groups. To qualify, the applicant must have at least two years specialized competencies in operating a specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, and mission preparation. Experienced in reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information. Experienced in filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings. Experienced in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments. Experienced in performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance. Competent in conducting or supervising the training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks. Experienced in developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders. Knowledge is required in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures. Experienced in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of Defense, Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, and/or Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, regulations, and directives. Officers: Applicants must demonstrate the following specialized experience competencies (skills, knowledge, and abilities) to qualify for appointments to GS-2181-13 Army National Guard Dual Status Officer positions. For Army National Guard positions, must have working experiences i

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Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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