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Contract Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Blue Air Training

Pilot

North Las Vegas, NV · On-site

Pilot will operate company owned aircraft, including: OV-10 Bronco, PC-9, IAR-823 Brasov, Bell-206 ... Must be able to obtain/maintain a clearance level as required per contract. Must be able to obtain ...

KBR

C-130 Pilot

California, MD · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

C-130 Pilot KBR is seeking a highly qualified C/KC-130 Pilot to support tasking at the Naval Air ... Must be able to travel up to 25% as required by contract. * Note: This is a full-time position, but ...

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Derwood, MD · On-site

... contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title ... The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight ...

New

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Derwood, MD · On-site

... contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title ... The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight ...

New

RAVN Aerospace

Pilot - El Paso

El Paso, TX

Position Summary We are currently seeking experienced tactical pilots to support our DoD contracts in both the flying and program manager role. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in ...

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do contract pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 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 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.

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Contract Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

F-35 CONTRACT INSTRUCTOR PILOT - CHERRY POINT, NC

DELAWARE RESOURCE GROUP OF OKLAHOMA

Cherry Point, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description


Contract Instructor Pilots (CIPs) report to the Lead Instructor. They will be fully qualified to meet the applicable requirements and will instruct academics and in aircrew training devices. CIPs will be the focal point for technical content of applicable courseware for courseware development and revisions. Their in-depth knowledge of Joint Technical Data (JTD), service publications, and aircraft systems will allow them to provide accurate and consistent lesson content across a broad spectrum of training materials. Their understanding of syllabus flow and lesson content will help streamline training delivered to formal course students.
Contract Instructor Pilots will:
  • Conduct quality academic instruction that covers applicable formal course syllabi and instruction guide requirements
  • Conduct quality aircrew training device instruction, accomplish applicable syllabus, and mission guide requirements, and adhere to published Training and Readiness standards
  • Maintain weapons system expertise
  • Prepare classrooms or briefing rooms for instruction before the scheduled lesson or aircrew training device mission
  • Clean-up classrooms or briefing rooms, returning them to the pre-class or pre-mission condition
  • Evaluate and record student academic training, aircrew training device performance, and verbally debrief all errors committed
  • Conduct remedial student academic or aircrew training device instruction when required
  • Coordinate recommended corrective action and remedial training with the Lead Instructor and active-duty supervisors
  • Conduct student academic evaluations IAW applicable syllabi and correct to 100% by reviewing incorrect responses with students
  • Monitor courseware currency in applicable academic and trainer areas of responsibility and submit recommended revisions to the Lead Instructor
  • Support lesson plan and mission guide revision efforts
  • Support aircrew training device scenario design and programming efforts when directed by the Lead Instructor
  • Review test analysis and critique summaries to identify instruction and testing that requires revision and make recommended revisions
  • Coordinate lesson revision inputs with the Lead Instructor, other CIPs, and Courseware subcontractors, if required
  • Review monthly/quarterly flying literature, safety reports and Service publications for updated information to be incorporated into training materials
  • Participate in Human Factors Board (HFB), Aircraft Mishap Board (AMB), and Field Flight Performance Board (FFPB) proceedings as directed by the Training Operations Manager
  • Perform related additional duties as assigned by the Site Director or Training Operations Manager
  • Meet suspense dates for applicable new lessons and lesson revisions
  • Be available for student assistance, questions, and aircrew training device missions when not scheduled for formal academic instruction, aircrew training device instruction, or courseware development and revisions
  • Provide all levels of instructor operating station missions including, but not limited to, Forward Air Controller, Airborne Intercept Controller, Air Traffic Control, and threat simulation

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
This position is located at a facility that will require special access clearance
  • Must have an active secret clearance with a completed investigation within the last 6 years.
  • Must be able to attain and maintain F-35 Special Access Program (SAP) access
  • Candidates must have a final/transferable DoD Secret security clearance
  • Must be a US citizen

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a related discipline, or equivalent experience/combined education, with 12 years or more of professional experience; or 10 years of professional experience with a related master's degree

Requirements
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Candidate must meet the following basic requirements:
  • Must have a minimum of 1,000 hours experience in fourth and/or fifth generation fighter aircraft as a pilot (F-22, F-18, F-16, F-15, A-10).
  • Must have experience as a Military Instructor Pilot (IP) and multi-ship flight lead in tactical fighter aircraft.
  • Must be willing to support flexible work hours to align with customer operational schedule.
  • Position may require candidate to participate in deployed operations to support customer requirements.
  • Strong, proven verbal communication skills.
  • Proven successful experience with instructional products and services, evaluating pilot training and leading pilot students.
  • Basic MS Office suite skills.

DESIRED SKILLS
  • Experience with F-35 program highly desired.
  • Experience with F-35 pilot training curriculum.
  • F-35 system knowledge.
  • F-35 Full Mission Simulator experience.
  • Familiarity with the F-35 ALIS program.
  • Prior experience in delivering Military Pilot Academic and Simulator Training in fourth and/or fifth generation tactical fighter aircraft.
  • Experience with advanced sensor systems such as NVS, LANTIRN, Helmet Mounted Cuing, and the latest weapons inventory.
  • Graduate of formal military Academic Instructor Course (AIC).
  • Formal Training Unit (FTU) or Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Instructor Pilot experience.
  • U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) Graduate.
  • Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Graduate.
  • Fighter Weapons Instructor Course (FWIC).
  • Standardization/Evaluation Flight Examiner (SEFE); NATOPS Evaluator experience.

Delaware Resource Group of Oklahoma, LLC ("DRG") is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. DRG provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act

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