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Contract Pilot Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Technician Lv3

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$20 - $26.75/hr

Conduct pilot fermentation trials and routine experiments. * Perform microbiological plating and ... leading contract, contract-to-hire and professional placement firm, Three Point Solution ...

Contract (12+ Months) | Start: ASAPPay:Competitive hourly rate, W2 Responsibilities: * Set up, run, and monitor pilot line and prototype process systems during development and qualification runs

Shift Supervisor

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Operating as a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), this pilot plant will help bridge a gap in the domestic biotech industry (non-pharma), providing clients with emerging ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Wyoming, MN · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Wyoming, MN Duration: 3 Months contract & Extendable Key Responsibilities: * Plan, coordinate, and support production activities required for new product launches, including pilot builds, validations ...

Computer Technician

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Short-term contract - 2 pilots and 5 weeks of actual deployments * Dates : 7/7-8 (Pilot 1), 714-15 (Pilot 2) and 7/28-8/28 (Deployments) * Schedule : Tuesday's and Thursdays - Start time 2:30pm ...

Fixed Wing Aviation SME

Virginia, MN · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

You Have:*** 10+ years of experience with Naval Aviation Subject Matter Expertise as a F-35 pilot ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

FAA Tutor

Edina, MN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... human factors for pilot certification. Ability to explain principles of flight, airspace ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Pilot information

See Minnesota salary details

$48.5K

$128.2K

$196.9K

How much do contract pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract pilot in Minnesota is $128,221.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,900.00 and $151,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Pilot jobs in Minnesota?

For Contract Pilot jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Contract Pilot jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Contract Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Pilot job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,221 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

Pilot Plant Technician* (St. Paul, MN) (3rd Shift)

3M

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$67K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago


3M rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 249 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

171st of 546 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Description:
Pilot Plant Technician (St. Paul, MN)
Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World
Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.
This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.
The Impact You'll Make in this Role
As a Pilot Plant Technician, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining various pilot plant equipment and processes while ensuring 3M quality standards are met and maintained. This position may involve performing complex tests, tasks, and/or experiments. Also, this person will provide support to conduct experimental and production runs while maintaining a safe working environment. This job involves working a night shift, 10pm to 6am. This position may also have to flex their shift hours for training and production coverage. Here, you will make an impact by:
  • Preparing and operating experimental, prototype, or production equipment. Primary area of responsibility will be extruders, with additional support of injection molding presses and converting lines.
  • Providing general maintenance, setup, and changeover of equipment.
  • Supporting development of technologies and processes.
  • Locating defects or problems during the manufacturing process and making adjustments as needed.
  • Implementing continuous improvement ideas.
  • Performing quality testing. Interpreting and providing feedback on quality results. Adjusting machinery to meet specifications based on test results. Maintaining proper documentation and producing necessary reports.
  • Maintaining a safe working environment.

Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:
  • High School diploma/GED or higher (completed and verified prior to start)
  • One (1) combined year of experience working in a manufacturing, pilot plant, and/or laboratory environment within a private, public, government or military environment.

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:
  • Associate's degree or Technical Diploma from an accredited institution
  • Experience with injection molding, web handling, and/or extrusion in a manufacturing or pilot plant environment.
  • Willing to work weekend and overtime work as needed.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and good problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to complete work independently.

Location:
  • St. Paul, MN. This position requires the ability to work during 10pm to 6am (Sunday - Thursday)

Travel: May include up to 5% domestic
Relocation: Is not Authorized
Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).
Responsibilities of this position may include direct and/or indirect physical or logical access to information, systems, technologies subjected to the regulations/compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws.
U.S. Export Control laws and U.S. Government Department of Defense contracts and sub-contracts impose certain restrictions on companies and their ability to share export-controlled and other technology and services with certain "non-U.S. persons" (persons who are not U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., refugees, "Temporary Residents" (granted Amnesty or Special Agricultural Worker provisions), or persons granted asylum.
To comply with these laws, 3M must help assess candidates' U.S. person status.
The questions asked in this application are intended to assess this and will be used for evaluation purposes only. Failure to provide the necessary information in this regard will result in our inability to consider you further for this particular position.
Supporting Your Well-being
3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.
Chat with Max
For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers.
Applicable to US Applicants Only:The expected compensation range for this position is $67,593 - $82,614, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.
Good Faith Posting Date Range 08/10/2026 To 09/09/2026 Or until filled
All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.
Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.
Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.
Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.
Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/
3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.
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