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Contract Pilot Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Corewell Health

Helicopter Pilot Aero Med

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Our pilots operate in a collaborative, just-culture environment where safety is never compromised ... Investment in Training and Professional Growth Ongoing initial and recurrent training (no contract ...

Spectrum Health

Helicopter Pilot Aero Med

Grand Rapids, MI

$86K - $107K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Our pilots operate in a collaborative, justculture environment where safety is never compromised ... Investment in Training and Professional Growth Ongoing initial and recurrent training (no contract ...

Guardian Flight

Fixed Wing Pilot

Kingsford, MI · On-site

$94K - $104K/yr

No Training Contract. * Up to 3,000 in Relocation Assistance. * Company Paid Crew Housing. * Company Paid ATP-CTP (If not already completed). We're hiring a Fixed Wing Pilot to provide medical air ...

Guardian Flight

Fixed Wing Pilot

Kingsford, MI · On-site

$94K - $104K/yr

No Training Contract. * Up to 3,000 in Relocation Assistance. * Company Paid Crew Housing. * Company Paid ATP-CTP (If not already completed). We're hiring a Fixed Wing Pilot to provide medical air ...

Guardian Flight

Fixed Wing Pilot

Kingsford, MI · On-site

$94K - $104K/yr

No Training Contract. * Up to 3,000 in Relocation Assistance. * Company Paid Crew Housing. * Company Paid ATP-CTP (If not already completed). We're hiring a Fixed Wing Pilot to provide medical air ...

Global Medical Response

Fixed Wing Pilot

Kingsford, MI · On-site

$94K - $104K/yr

No Training Contract. * Up to 3,000 in Relocation Assistance. * Company Paid Crew Housing. * Company Paid ATP-CTP (If not already completed). We're hiring a Fixed Wing Pilot to provide medical air ...

Global Medical Response

Fixed Wing Pilot

Kingsford, MI · On-site

$94K - $104K/yr

No Training Contract. * Up to 3,000 in Relocation Assistance. * Company Paid Crew Housing. * Company Paid ATP-CTP (If not already completed). We're hiring a Fixed Wing Pilot to provide medical air ...

Great Lakes Group

Be Seen First

Ignition SCADA Programmer / AMR Integration Consultant (Contract)

Detroit, MI · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ignition SCADA Programmer / AMR Integration Consultant (Contract) We are seeking a highly ... Support the development and testing of the functional AMR pilot environment . * Troubleshoot, debug ...

Cygnus Professionals, Inc.

Enterprise Architect

Lansing, MI · On-site

$70 - $90.25/hr

Contract Interview Type: In-Person U.S. Citizenship is required Works across Application ... Research, design, document, build, and pilot prioritized topics for standards. Manage the list of ...

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All JobsContract Pilot JobsContract Pilot Jobs in Michigan

Contract Pilot information

See Michigan salary details

$43.1K

$114.1K

$175.2K

How much do contract pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract pilot in Michigan is $114,106.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,200.00 and $135,100.00 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 is a contract pilot?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Pilot jobs in Michigan? For Contract Pilot jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Pilot jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Pilot jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Contract Pilot jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Contract Pilot job openings:
Contract Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Pilot job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,106 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Helicopter Pilot Aero Med

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

Corewell Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 775 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

417th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Corewell Health is offering up to a $20,000 sign-on bonus for this position!
About the Team:
At Corewell Health Aero Med and North Flight Aero Med, our pilots don't just fly aircraft - they are trusted professionals, safety leaders, and essential members of a highly skilled medical transport team. As part of a hospital-based air medical program, you'll support critical care transport across Michigan, serving rural and urban communities when they need us most. Our pilots operate in a collaborative, just-culture environment where safety is never compromised and professional judgment is respected. You'll fly modern, well-maintained aircraft, work alongside experienced maintenance, medical and dispatch teams, and be supported by an aviation leadership team that understands what it takes to operate safely in our community.
Essential Functions
  • Operates a Corewell Health Hospitals aircraft.
  • Maintains required documentation per FAA / company standards.
  • Communicates, collaborates and acts as a resource to team members and others in order to facilitate continuity and coordination of services. Acts as a resource to members of the community in outreach initiatives.
  • Maintain accountability for the safety of aircraft operations.
  • Provides input into the development / revision of policies / procedures related to area of accountability. Participates in process improvement activities to improve outcomes.
  • Demonstrates commitment to patient and team member safety. Considers safety as the primary factor in all decisions.

Qualifications
Required
  • Helicopter Pilots: 2,500 hours helicopter flight experience, 1,500 hours pilot in command hours, 150 hours pilot in command unaided night hours.
  • Experience in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and night operation
  • CRT-Air Transport Pilot - Needs by 2 years
  • CRT-FAA Flight Physical - DOT Department of Transportation Upon Hire
  • LIC-Commercial Pilot License - FAA upon hire

Preferred
  • Fixed Wing Pilots: 3,500 hours total flight experience, 2,000 hours pilot in command of multi-engine aircraft, and 1,500 hours of pilot in command of a turbine powered aircraft
  • EMS flight experience
  • FAA part 135 experience
  • Winter Operations

Why Pilots Choose Aero Med & North Flight Aero Med
  • Hospital-Based, Mission-Driven Program
    Fly for a not-for-profit, hospital-based operation with its own FAA Part 135 certificate where safety and patient care drive every decision.
  • Safety Is the Standard, Not a Slogan
    A mature Safety Management System, just culture, and leadership that fully supports conservative go/no-go decisions.
  • Modern Aircraft and Strong In-House Maintenance Support
    Well-maintained aircraft (Sikorsky S-76 C++ and King Air 200/250) supported by dedicated aviation maintenance teams focused on reliability and safety.
  • Respect for Pilot Authority and Judgment
    Our pilots are trusted professionals with clear operational authority over safety, weather, and aircraft decisions.
  • Collaborative, Professional Crew Environment
    Work alongside experienced nurses, paramedics, mechanics, and dispatchers who value Crew Resource Management, communication, and mutual respect.
  • Challenging, Meaningful Flying
    IFR, night, winter, and rural operations across Michigan - flights that demand skill, judgment, and professionalism.
  • Investment in Training and Professional Growth
    Ongoing initial and recurrent training (no contract), in full flight simulators (twice annually), and opportunities to contribute to safety, policy, and operational improvements.
  • Stable Schedules and Sustainable Careers
    Three 12-hour shifts with predictable rotations designed to support work-life balance and long-term pilot retention - no need to live out of your suitcase.

If you're looking for a program where professionalism is expected, safety is protected, and every flight has purpose, Aero Med and North Flight Aero Med may be the place for you.
Work Perks:
  • Comprehensive full-time benefit package offered by Corewell Health
  • Additional provided life insurance coverage for pilots
  • Company provided flight suit, coat and helmet
  • Private pilot's quarters with bed, desk and computer
  • Well maintained base facility with modern fitness room, full kitchen
  • Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) accredited
  • Part 135 certificate managed by Spectrum Health Hospitals d/b/a Aero Med BTEA482C

How Corewell Health cares for you
  • Comprehensive benefits package to meet your financial, health, and work/life balance goals. Learn more here.
  • On-demand pay program powered by Payactiv
  • Discounts directory with deals on the things that matter to you, like restaurants, phone plans, spas, and more!
  • Optional identity theft protection, home and auto insurance
  • Traditional and Roth retirement options with service contribution and match savings
  • Eligibility for benefits is determined by employment type and status

Primary Location
SITE - Aero Med Base - 4494 Corporate Dr - Grand Rapids
Department Name
Aero Med - Grand Rapids Hosp
Employment Type
Full time
Shift
Rotating (United States of America)
Weekly Scheduled Hours
36
Hours of Work
Variable
Days Worked
Variable
Weekend Frequency
Every other weekend
CURRENT COREWELL HEALTH TEAM MEMBERS - Please apply through Find Jobs from your Workday team member account. This career site is for Non-Corewell Health team members only.
Corewell Health is committed to providing a safe environment for our team members, patients, visitors, and community. We require a drug-free workplace and require team members to comply with the MMR, Varicella, Tdap, and Influenza vaccine requirement if in an on-site or hybrid workplace category. We are committed to supporting prospective team members who require reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment due to a disability, pregnancy, or sincerely held religious belief.
Corewell Health grants equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected category.
An interconnected, collaborative culture where all are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, is vital to the health of our organization. As a health system, we advocate for equity as we care for our patients, our communities, and each other. From workshops that develop cultural intelligence, to our inclusion resource groups for people to find community and empowerment at work, we are dedicated to ongoing resources that advance our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. We invite those that share in our commitment to join our team.
You may request assistance in completing the application process by calling 616.486.7447.

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