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Contract Aviation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

STV is seeking an experienced Contract Administrator - Aviation to join our PM/CM team to support one of our aviation clients in Los Angeles, CA. The right candidate will have strong technical skills ...

STV is seeking an experienced Contract Administrator - Aviation to join our PM/CM team to support one of our aviation clients onsite in Los Angeles, CA. The right candidate will have strong technical ...

As the Aviation Engineer, you will contribute to all aspects of project delivery, contract management, team leadership, and quality assurance. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Support design needs and help mentor ...

As the Aviation Engineer, you will contribute to all aspects of project delivery, contract management, team leadership, and quality assurance. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Support design needs and help mentor ...

As the Aviation Engineer, you will contribute to all aspects of project delivery, contract management, team leadership, and quality assurance. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Support design needs and help mentor ...

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Contract Aviation information

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$21K

$55.3K

$91.5K

How much do contract aviation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract aviation in the United States is $55,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $64,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract aviation?

Contract aviation jobs are temporary or project-based roles within the aviation industry, such as pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, or ground crew who are hired on a contractual basis rather than as permanent employees. These positions often fill short-term needs, such as seasonal demand, special projects, or coverage during staff shortages. Contract aviation professionals may work for airlines, private charter companies, maintenance providers, or government agencies. This type of employment offers flexibility and the opportunity to work with various organizations but may lack some of the benefits associated with full-time positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract aviation professional?

To thrive as a Contract Aviation Professional, you need a solid understanding of aviation operations, relevant licenses or certifications (such as an FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate or pilot license), and compliance with industry regulations. Familiarity with aviation management systems, flight planning software, and maintenance tracking tools is commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set top professionals apart in coordinating with diverse teams and ensuring safety. These skills and qualifications are essential for maintaining operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and safety in the dynamic aviation environment.

What are some common challenges faced by contract aviation professionals, and how can they be managed effectively?

Contract aviation professionals often face challenges such as adapting quickly to new teams and procedures, managing irregular work schedules, and ensuring regulatory compliance across different employers or locations. Building strong communication skills and maintaining up-to-date certifications can help ease transitions between assignments. Additionally, being proactive in understanding each client's safety protocols and company expectations is crucial for success. Networking with other contract professionals can also provide valuable support and industry insights.

What is the difference between Contract Aviation vs Contract Pilot?

AspectContract AviationContract Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), possibly ATP depending on roleCommercial Pilot License (CPL), possibly ATP depending on role
Work EnvironmentVarious aircraft types, multiple clients, short-term assignmentsSingle aircraft, specific operator, short-term or project-based
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, charter companies, private operatorsPrivate companies, charter services, aerial survey firms

Contract Aviation refers to the broader industry involving pilots working on a contractual basis across different aircraft and operators. Contract Pilot specifically describes pilots hired temporarily for specific flights or projects. While both roles require similar certifications, Contract Aviation encompasses a wider range of aviation services, whereas Contract Pilot focuses on individual pilot assignments.

More about Contract Aviation jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Aviation jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Aviation job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Aviation jobs?

The most popular types of Aviation jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Aviation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Aviation jobs include:

Infographic showing various Contract Aviation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,268 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Aviation Dispatch GACC)

Redding, CA • On-site


U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 853 rated public administrative organizations

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

This position is located in Region 5, Pacific Southwest, Redding, California.
The primary purpose of this position is Regional fire aviation dispatching, scheduling Forest Service and contract aviation resources, aircraft, equipment, personnel, and supplies for suppression of wild land fires.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Region 5: Pacific Southwest Region - Brian Grabowski - brian.grabowski@usda.gov
Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-08:
Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GW-07) in the Federal Service.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Performing training and safety program support activities for an aviation program; evaluating and coordinating operational situations in fire and/or aviation management to ensure the distribution of adequate resources; following mobilization plans, emergency and disaster plans, and dispatch policies and procedures; performing dispatch duties, coordinating ground and air transportation and determining the nature of the resources needed including personnel, equipment, and services required to respond to varying levels of crisis.
OR
two full years (36 semester/54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture);
OR
combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/27 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
For the GW-09: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GW-08) in the Federal Service;
Examples of specialized experience are: Performing contract management, aviation training, and safety program support activities for an aviation program; evaluating and coordinating operational situations in fire and/or aviation management to ensure the distribution of adequate resources; implementing and maintaining mobilization plans, emergency and disaster plans, and dispatch policies and procedures; preparing cost and budgetary data for comparative analysis, flight justification, payment documents, and flight plans for contract and on call personnel; independently performing dispatch duties, coordinating ground and air transportation and determining the nature of the resources needed including personnel, equipment, and services required to respond to varying levels of crisis.
OR
two full years (36 semester/54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture);
OR
combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/27 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:See QUALIFICATION section for educational requirements.Employment Type: OTHER


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