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Commercial Pilot Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Technical Pilots (MTPs) will use excellent communication and teamwork, along with their knowledge of company operations and manuals to further improve PSA policies and procedures. Job ...

Your eligibility begins once you complete your Private Pilot Certificate. * Successfully complete an interview with PSA to become a Cadet in the program. * Cadets are offered numerous opportunities ...

Your eligibility begins once you complete your Private Pilot Certificate. * Successfully complete an interview with PSA to become a Cadet in the program. * Cadets are offered numerous opportunities ...

Your eligibility begins once you complete your Private Pilot Certificate. * Successfully complete an interview with PSA to become a Cadet in the program. * Cadets are offered numerous opportunities ...

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Commercial Pilot information

See Reston, VA salary details

$12

$23

$36

How much do commercial pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for commercial pilot in Reston, VA is $23.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a commercial pilot?

Commercial pilots are licensed professionals who are authorized to operate aircraft for compensation or hire. They typically fly passenger airlines, cargo planes, charter flights, or perform aerial tasks such as crop dusting, aerial photography, and rescue operations. Unlike private pilots, commercial pilots must meet higher training standards, pass rigorous exams, and hold a commercial pilot license issued by aviation authorities. Their responsibilities include ensuring passenger safety, conducting pre-flight checks, navigating flights, and managing emergency situations. Commercial pilots often work for airlines, corporations, or specialized aviation companies.

What does a commercial pilot do?

The duties of a commercial pilot involve flying an airplane or helicopter for commercial purposes. Your responsibilities in this career may involve operating aircraft flights that carry passengers or cargo. As a commercial pilot, you can work for a commercial airline, a charter service, or another type of company that offers commercial airplane services. You are responsible for ensuring the plane is safe, fueled, and supplied before takeoff. You must also submit a flight plan and ensure you have the proper clearance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a commercial pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Commercial Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license, strong flight training, and in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations and navigation. Familiarity with advanced avionics systems, flight management software, and simulator training is essential. Excellent decision-making, communication, and situational awareness set outstanding pilots apart. These competencies ensure passenger safety, regulatory compliance, and effective management of challenging flight conditions.

What are some common challenges commercial pilots face during irregular schedules and how can they manage them?

Commercial pilots often deal with irregular schedules, including overnight flights and frequent time zone changes, which can disrupt sleep patterns and personal routines. Managing fatigue, staying alert, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are essential for success in this role. Pilots use strategies like adhering to regulated rest periods, practicing good sleep hygiene, and leveraging support from their crewmates to mitigate these challenges. Airlines also provide resources and training to help pilots adapt to demanding schedules and ensure safety and well-being.

What is the difference between Commercial Pilot vs Private Pilot?

AspectCommercial PilotPrivate Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot CertificatePrivate Pilot Certificate
Work EnvironmentPaid flights, charter services, aerial workPersonal flying, recreational use
Employer & IndustryAirlines, charter companies, aerial servicesIndividuals, hobbyists, personal travel
Flight Hours Required250 hours minimum40 hours minimum

The main difference between a Commercial Pilot and a Private Pilot lies in their certifications, work environment, and flight hours. Commercial Pilots are licensed to be paid for flying and often work in professional settings like charter services or aerial work. Private Pilots fly primarily for personal or recreational purposes and cannot be paid for their flights. The certification requirements also differ, with Commercial Pilots needing more flight hours and advanced training.

How much money do commercial pilots make?

Commercial pilots typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000, but this can vary based on experience, airline, and flight hours. Pilots with more seniority or specialized certifications can earn significantly higher wages, often exceeding $200,000 annually in some cases.

Is there a demand for commercial pilots?

The demand for commercial pilots remains strong due to growth in air travel and the need for experienced pilots in passenger and cargo airlines. Factors such as industry expansion, retirements, and the requirement for FAA certification contribute to ongoing job opportunities for qualified commercial pilots. However, competition can be high, and pilots typically need significant flight hours and training to qualify for employment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Commercial Pilot jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Commercial Pilot jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Commercial Pilot jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Commercial Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Commercial Pilot job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,421 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist

Air Line Pilots Association

Mclean, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description


Position Title:Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist
City: Tysons (McLean)
State: VA
Country:US
Type: 4 (Exempt, Bargaining Unit 1 (EB)
# of Openings: 1
Category:Engineering & Air Safety - Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist
Company Name: Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l., Tysons (McLean), Virginia, United States
Description:

Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist

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 experiencedPilot Training & Qualification Specialist for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office. The Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist provides staff coordination and liaison with government, industry, and professional stakeholders on behalf of ALPAโ€™s Air Safety Organization (ASO) and other Association committees, Master Executive Councils (MECs), and National Officers, as assigned by the department Director or Manager. Their specific focus is in the policy area of pilot training and qualificationโ€”encompassing air carrier training programs as well as student, private, commercial, instrument, multi-engine, and instructor certification. Additionally, they serve as the subject matter expert in training conducted internationally, including ab initio training, as well as standards and recommended practices at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist effectively represents the Association and the department, interacting with government and industry safety officials on a routine basis, advocating on behalf of the Associationโ€™s priorities from a policy perspective. In coordination with relevant ALPA committees and staff members, they develop and coordinate written communications to membership, government, and industry groups outlining ALPA positions on a wide variety of pilot training issues.

They occasionally provide technical support to accident and incident investigations involving pilot training issues, Federal Aviation Administration/Transport Canada (FAA/TC) pilot certificate enforcement action cases, and other safety investigations within their policy area(s).

Travel: Up to 20%; sporadically, travel, local and national, could be as much as 25% of the time.

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:

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in aviation, aeronautical science, or a closely related field required, from an accredited college or university; or, an equivalent combination of education and practical experience.
  • Three (3) years of progressive experience in civil aviation pilot training, pilot qualification programs, regulatory compliance, or a closely related area required, five (5) or more strongly preferred.
  • Experience in U.S. and/or Canadian Aviation Regulations (FARs and CARs); national and international aviation standards related to pilot training and qualification.
  • Pilotโ€™s license with an instrument rating and/or special knowledge or applicable expertise in the aviation industry strongly preferred.
  • Experience engaging with federal advisory committees, aviation rulemaking committees, or international aviation organizations (ICAO, IFALPA) preferred.
  • Expert knowledge of pilot training and qualification requirements at the air carrier level, including ATP, type rating, First Officer Qualification, and recurrent training standards a definite plus.
  • Strong communication skills, including the ability to prepare guidance, training materials, policy summaries, and program documentation for pilot leadership use.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent high-priority projects under tight deadlines.
  • Sound judgment and analytical thinking, with the ability to distill complex technical and regulatory information into clear, actionable recommendations for leadership.
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, support sensitive volunteer work, and navigate issues with professionalism and discretion.
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and respond proactively to emerging needs or time-sensitive program issues.
  • Must possess strong time management skills; be able to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment; and, transition easily between projects.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Teams, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel) and the ability to quickly learn new platforms or organizational systems.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including supporting volunteer coordination during incidents or time-critical events when needed.

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/smartphone/tablet. 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, nationally, and internationally). 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 ten (10) 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 โ€“ 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;
  • days paid vacation and 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: $ 97,948.00 โ€“ $ 139,923.00

Relocation not provided.

Sponsorship not available for this position.

PM19


Compensation details: 97948-139923 Yearly Salary


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