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Contract Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

STA Jets

Contract Group Hawker HS-125

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current Hawker Contract Pilots. Should you meet the requirements below, we would like to set up in our system. Requirements: * Typed with 12-Month ...

STA Jets

Contract Citation XLS Group

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$95K - $118K/yr

STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current CE-560XLS Contract Pilots. Should you meet the below requirements we would like to set up a phone interview. Requirements: * Typed with 12 ...

STA Jets

Contract Citation XLS Group

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$96K - $120K/yr

STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current CE-560XLS Contract Pilots. Should you meet the below requirements we would like to set up a phone interview. Requirements: * Typed with 12 ...

STA Jets

Contract Group Hawker HS-125

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current Hawker Contract Pilots. Should you meet the requirements below, we would like to set up in our system. Requirements: * Typed with 12-Month ...

Lowe's

Chief Pilot

Charlotte, NC

Conduct basic indoctrination and emergency training, as well as other internal training to include customer service * Assist with selection and hiring of new crew members to include contract pilots.

Clay Lacy Aviation

$330K - $350K/yr

... Pilot (ACP), and Trip Support Specialists. You will ensure crew compliance with applicable ... Position Type : Full-time only; no contract * Location : Northeast or South Florida * Operation ...

DRG

F-35 CONTRACT INSTRUCTOR PILOT

Lemoore, CA · On-site

$75 - $90/hr

Contract Instructor will facilitate pilot training in the F-35 Full Mission Simulator using the Instructor Operating Station (IOS) and will be a subject matter expert (SME) on various aircraft ...

Clay Lacy Aviation

$330K - $350K/yr

... Pilot (ACP), and Trip Support Specialists. You will ensure crew compliance with applicable ... Position Type : Full-time only; no contract * Location : Northeast or South Florida * Operation ...

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Contract Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do contract pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract 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.

What Does a Contract Pilot Do?

A contract pilot is an aviation professional who operates helicopters, charter planes, or another aircraft on a per-job basis. As a contract pilot, you work directly with corporate or individual clients to fly an aircraft between locations and transport passengers or cargo. Your contract may be for a single trip or multiple trips. However, you operate as an independent contractor, so you are responsible for maintaining your credentials and insurance. Working as a contract pilot provides you with greater flexibility than being a pilot for an airline or the military.

What are some common challenges faced by contract pilots when adapting to different aircraft and client expectations?

Contract pilots often fly a variety of aircraft types for different clients, which can require quick adaptation to new cockpit layouts, avionics systems, and company-specific procedures. Additionally, each client may have unique operational standards and expectations regarding communication, scheduling, and reporting. Staying organized, maintaining up-to-date certifications, and being proactive in learning new processes are key strategies for overcoming these challenges. Strong interpersonal skills also help contract pilots integrate smoothly with new crews and flight departments.

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

To thrive as a Contract Pilot, you need extensive flight experience, an active commercial or airline transport pilot license (CPL/ATPL), and current medical certification. Familiarity with specific aircraft types, proficiency in using advanced avionics systems, and completion of required type ratings are typically necessary. Strong decision-making, adaptability, and effective communication skills help you manage diverse flying environments and coordinate with clients and crews. These competencies ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable service in varied and dynamic aviation assignments.

What are contract pilots?

Contract pilots are professional pilots who are hired on a temporary or per-assignment basis, rather than as full-time employees of an airline or company. They typically operate private jets, corporate aircraft, or charter flights for individuals or organizations that need flight services for a limited period. Contract pilots are responsible for pre-flight planning, operating the aircraft safely, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and sometimes handling administrative tasks related to each flight. This flexible arrangement allows both pilots and employers to meet their scheduling and operational needs without long-term commitments.

What is the difference between Contract Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectContract PilotCommercial Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, possibly additional type ratingsCommercial Pilot Certificate, multi-engine ratings often required
Work EnvironmentHired on a temporary basis for specific contracts, often freelanceEmployed by airlines, charter companies, or corporate operators
Employer & Industry UsageContract basis across various operators, including private and cargoFull-time or part-time employment within commercial aviation

Contract pilots typically hold a commercial pilot certificate and work on a temporary or project basis, often flying for multiple operators. Commercial pilots are usually employed full-time by airlines or companies, with a focus on scheduled or charter flights. The main difference lies in employment type and job stability, with contract pilots offering flexibility and diverse opportunities, while commercial pilots often have more consistent employment within the commercial aviation industry.

More about Contract Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Contract Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Pilot jobs are:
Contract Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Contract Pilot - Cessna 340A

High Performance Aviation LLC

Conroe, TX • On-site

Contractor

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Contract Pilot - Cessna 340A
Location: Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (KCXO), Conroe, TX Base: Within approximately 1 hour of KCXO strongly preferred Type: Contract / 1099, per-flight or per-day basis Potential: Possible transition to full-time salaried position
About the Role
We are seeking a contract pilot(s) to fly a Cessna 340A under Part 91 based at Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (KCXO). This is an as-needed contract position covering owner-directed trips, repositioning, and maintenance flights.
The right pilot will be professional, safety-focused, and comfortable operating a pressurized piston twin in the Gulf Coast environment - summer heat, coastal weather, and single-pilot IFR in busy Houston-area airspace.
We are looking for a long-term working relationship. As flight activity grows, this contract role has the potential to convert to a full-time salaried position.
Responsibilities
  • Operate the Cessna 340A safely and in full compliance with FARs, insurance requirements, and manufacturer limitations
  • Conduct thorough preflight planning: weather, fuel, weight and balance, performance, and alternates
  • Provide professional, discreet service to owners and passengers
  • Coordinate scheduling, FBO services, fuel, catering, and ground transportation as needed
  • Complete post-flight walkarounds and promptly report any discrepancies or squawks
  • Maintain accurate flight logs, Hobbs/Tach records, and trip documentation
  • Coordinate with maintenance on aircraft status, inspections, and AD/service bulletin compliance
  • Fly maintenance, repositioning, and post-maintenance test flights as requested
  • Maintain aircraft cleanliness and readiness between trips

Minimum Qualifications
  • FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate - Airplane Multi-Engine Land
  • Instrument rating, current and proficient for single-pilot IFR
  • Current FAA Second-Class Medical (or better)
  • Current flight review and instrument currency
  • Meets or exceeds insurance underwriting minimums (final requirements set by the carrier - see note below)
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to KCXO
  • Ability to pass a background check and provide a current pilot resume, certificates, medical, and logbook summary
  • Clean FAA records - no accidents, incidents, violations, or enforcement actions
Experience
  • 1,200 hours total time
  • 200 hours multi-engine
  • 50 hours instrument (actual and simulated)
  • 25 hours in Cessna 340 or similar make and model (or an approved type-specific initial course)

Pilots close to these numbers are encouraged to apply - final requirements will be determined by insurance approval. We will review individual experience for qualification.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Time in type - Cessna 340/340A
  • Twin Cessna experience (300/400 series - 310, 320, 335, 340, 401, 402, 414, 421)
  • Turbocharged and pressurized piston experience
  • Formal type-specific training is a plus
  • ATP certificate
  • CFI/CFII/MEI
  • Familiarity with Houston-area airspace and Gulf Coast weather
  • Garmin GTN / G500-series or comparable avionics proficiency
  • Prior Part 91 owner-flown or corporate flight department experience

Schedule & Commitment
  • As-needed contract basis; trips scheduled in advance where possible with occasional short-notice requests
  • Mix of day trips and multi-day itineraries with overnights
  • Availability for weekend and holiday flying
  • Estimated volume: 20-60 hours a month

Apply