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Civilian Government Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

S. Government customer to provide support for onsite incident response to civilian Government ... technology integration pilots - Facilitate stakeholder workshops and coordination meetings ...

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S. Government customer to provide support for onsite incident response to civilian Government ... technology integration pilots - Facilitate stakeholder workshops and coordination meetings ...

S. Government customer to provide support for onsite incident response to civilian Government ... technology integration pilots - Facilitate stakeholder workshops and coordination meetings ...

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S. Government customer to provide support for onsite incident response to civilian Government ... technology integration pilots - Facilitate stakeholder workshops and coordination meetings ...

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Civilian Government Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do civilian government pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for civilian government 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.

How much do civilian government pilots make?

Civilian government pilots typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, agency, and location. They often require specialized certifications such as commercial pilot licenses and may work irregular hours or on specific missions like transportation or surveillance.

What is a civilian government pilot?

A Civilian Government Pilot operates aircraft for federal, state, or local government agencies. They may conduct surveillance, transport personnel and cargo, assist in emergency response, or perform aerial surveys. These pilots must hold the necessary FAA certifications and meet agency-specific requirements. Their duties vary depending on the agency, ranging from law enforcement support to environmental monitoring.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the civilian government pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civilian Government Pilot, you need an FAA commercial or airline transport pilot certificate, strong knowledge of aviation regulations, and significant flight experience. Familiarity with government-operated aircraft, navigation systems, and flight planning software is essential, as well as maintaining required medical certifications. Leadership, clear communication, and sound judgment are key soft skills for coordinating with government agencies and making critical decisions under pressure. These competencies ensure flight safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient support of government missions.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for a civilian government pilot?

As a Civilian Government Pilot, your daily responsibilities may include conducting pre-flight inspections, reviewing flight plans and weather conditions, and operating specialized government aircraft for various missions such as surveillance, transport, or aerial surveys. You will also communicate with air traffic control, coordinate with mission staff, and ensure all operations comply with federal aviation regulations and agency protocols. Depending on the employer, you may participate in training sessions or emergency response drills. Collaboration with engineers, logistics personnel, and other government officials is common to ensure mission success and aircraft readiness.

How do you become a civilian government pilot?

To become a civilian government pilot, candidates typically need a commercial pilot license with relevant certifications such as an instrument rating, along with experience flying in various conditions. Additional requirements may include passing background checks, medical examinations, and specialized training for government operations, often involving security clearances and familiarity with government aircraft and procedures.
More about Civilian Government Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Civilian Government Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Civilian Government Pilot jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Civilian Government Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Civilian Government Pilot jobs are:
Infographic showing various Civilian Government Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

F-22 Simulator Instructor Pilot (Supervisory)

The Air Force Civilian Service

Hampton, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Air Force Civilian Service rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Turn Your Operational Experience into Mission Shaping Impact-Guide the Next Wave of Combat Pilots to Strengthen America's Air Dominance!
The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is currently looking for full-time civilian F-22 Simulator Pilot Instructor (Supervisory), GS-2181-14 located at the 1st Training Support Squadron, Hampton, Langley AFB, VA.
Recruitment and Relocation Incentives available based on eligibility.
NO 180-DAY WAIVER REQUIRED
Salary Range: $127,646 - $165,945
Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
In this role, you will serve as a first level supervisor planning, directing, organizing, and exercising control over nonsupervisory instructors assigned. Employee also serves as a fighter aircraft simulator and academic instructor for students enrolled in fifth generation fighter aircraft graduate flying training programs. Develops goals, monitors and evaluates training program success, and provides technical expertise to program changes.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements (Flight Logs are mandatory):
1500 Total Flight Hours
250 Pilot-In-Command Hours
75 Night Flying Hours
75 flight hours of Instrument Time (at least 10 hours must be in actual instrument conditions)
500 Instructor Time Flight Hours (Fixed Wing)
NOTE: position requires prior fighter aviation instructor experience
Mandatory documents:
Flight Logs
FAA Certifications, following will be accepted:
Fixed wing with Instrument rating
Certificated flight instructor
Military instructor pilot rating
DD 214 (Member 4)
Qualifications:
Must be a US Civilian
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position
MUST have fighter aviation experience to be considered.
Previous experience as an instructor/mission commander in fighter aircraft (F-15, F-16, F-18, F-22, F-35, etc), airborne radar experience, and/or graduation from USAF Weapons School, USN Weapons School (Top Gun), or experience as a USAF Aggressor is highly desired and be knowledgeable in RADAR, AIM-120, and AIM-9 systems.
Knowledge of aircraft systems and operating procedures, advanced instrument techniques, aerobatic maneuvers, close formation flying, high-speed low-level flight, aerial refueling, aggressor and defensive combat, and range missions with ordnance, as well as knowledge of 4th and/or 5th generation fighter aircraft, and of the operation, characteristics, and limitations of the corresponding aircraft simulator.
Knowledge of the methods, principles, practices, and programs related to curriculum development, instructional techniques, and training resources.
Knowledge of the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) process, requirements of fighter pilot training, and the pilot training syllabus.
Skill in the use of a variety of computer applications and software, to include simulator systems sufficient to meet desired learning objectives and to demonstrate flying procedures and maneuvers. Ability to teach multiple academic courses while using computer based teaching aides.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application package (resume, supporting documents) will be used to determine your eligibility, and qualifications.
Click the apply button to complete an application and upload your two-page resume to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan (PDF or Word Doc) and/or additional documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50). As of 27 September 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length. To learn more about the new resume requirements visit https://afciviliancareers.com/resumetips/ OR https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/agency-guidance-on-the-two-page-limit-on-resume-length/
To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please subscribe at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to "Get Career Updates."
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
AFCS is Equal Opportunity Employer. U.S. citizenship required. Must be of legal working age.

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