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Entry Level Commercial Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This entry-level development role combines maritime operations, remote vehicle control, autonomous ... Recreational, commercial or military boating experience, including small powerboats or personal ...

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Entry Level Commercial Pilot information

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$21K

$50.6K

$103.5K

How much do entry level commercial pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level commercial pilot in the United States is $50,643.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,500.00 and $58,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level commercial pilot?

Entry level commercial pilots are newly licensed aviators who have obtained a commercial pilot certificate, allowing them to be paid for flying work. They typically have fewer flight hours and experience compared to senior pilots, but are qualified to perform tasks such as flying charter flights, crop dusting, banner towing, or serving as a co-pilot for regional airlines. Entry level commercial pilots are responsible for ensuring the safety of their passengers and cargo, following aviation regulations, and maintaining their skills through ongoing training. As they gain experience, they can advance to higher positions, such as airline transport pilot roles.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level commercial pilots during their first year on the job?

Entry-level commercial pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to irregular schedules, frequent changes in flight assignments, and managing fatigue due to early morning or late-night flights. Building familiarity with airline procedures and different aircraft can also take time, requiring ongoing study and recurrent training. Additionally, new pilots may need to improve their communication and teamwork skills, as they work closely with co-pilots, flight attendants, and ground crews to ensure safe and efficient operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level commercial pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Commercial Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license (CPL), strong aeronautical knowledge, and flight proficiency, typically acquired through accredited flight training programs. Familiarity with advanced avionics, flight management systems, and regulatory compliance tools is crucial. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills help pilots manage crew interactions and challenging flying conditions. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and professional operation of aircraft in a highly regulated and dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Commercial Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectEntry Level Commercial PilotFlight Instructor
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot CertificateCertified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificate
Work EnvironmentCharter flights, aerial tours, cargoFlight training, flight schools
Industry UsageAirlines, charter services, cargoFlight training, pilot development

Both roles require a Commercial Pilot Certificate, but an Entry Level Commercial Pilot typically flies for charter, cargo, or aerial services, while a Flight Instructor focuses on training new pilots. The Flight Instructor role often serves as a stepping stone to higher pilot certifications, whereas Entry Level Commercial Pilots gain experience for airline or commercial flying careers.

More about Entry Level Commercial Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Commercial Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Commercial Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Commercial Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Commercial Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Commercial Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Commercial Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Commercial Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Commercial Pilot jobs are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Commercial Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,643 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

2027 Entry Level - Pilot Flight Operations (Pilot Development Program)

Textron

Wichita, KS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Act as a flight and ground instructor for customer entitlement training in piston fleet.

  • Exercise flights and flight shadow through sales demonstration flights and marketing support.

  • Operate company and customer aircraft globally within all applicable FAA and ICAO regulations.


Textron rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

ABOUT THE ENTRY LEVEL ROLE
As a Textron employee, you'll take on meaningful work from day one-contributing to real projects and collaborating with experienced team members across the business. This entry-level opportunity is designed to help you build your skills, gain exposure across functions, and grow through hands-on experience, mentorship, and development opportunities.
JOB SUMMARY:
Inspire globally the journey of flight in general aviation's most iconic aircraft by sharing experiences and expert product knowledge. Work as a crew to design and create the best aviation experiences for our customers and community. Grow and develop professional and technical skills as your career advances at Textron Aviation.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Embody Textron Aviation's values to complete our collective mission and achieve our vision.
• Act as a flight and ground instructor for customer entitlement training in piston fleet.
• Exercise flights and flight shadow through sales demonstration flights and marketing support.
• Operate company and customer aircraft globally within all applicable FAA and ICAO regulations. Complies with all regulations and local operating procedures.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of appropriate aircraft models, systems, avionics, equipment, options, product changes and updates.
• Attends training as required. Training includes: Initial and recurrent aircraft training, emergency procedures training, crew coordination training, international procedures training, and other training as deemed necessary by management.
• Performs office tasks such as expense report and flight log preparation, international planning, aircraft flight manual and approach plate updates, and other tasks normally associated with day-to-day flight operations.
• Adhere to and support Flight Operations policies, procedures, guidelines and responsibilities.
• Communicate with and ensure department personnel are aware of noteworthy issues.
• Always maintains safety as the prime consideration for all operations.
EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor's degree required in Aviation Science or related degree
• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument rating and Single/Multi-Engine Land ratings
• FAA Second Class medical or better, with ability to obtain an FAA First Class medical
• FAA Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI) and FAA Flight Instructor Instrument Certificate (CFII) required
• 800 flight hours and 400 hours of dual given required
QUALIFICATIONS:
• US Passport or ability to successfully obtain is required
• FAA Multi-Engine Instructor Rating (MEI) preferred
• FAA Complex and High-performance endorsements preferred
• Previous classroom experience as a ground instructor preferred
• Familiarity with digital/glass flight decks preferred
• Must have valid driver's license
WHY BUILD YOUR CAREER AT TEXTRON
Textron offers a supportive workplace where employees are encouraged to grow, contribute, and innovate.
Our benefits include:
  • Competitive compensation
  • Day-one health and wellness benefits
  • Retirement savings options
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Alternative work schedules at select locations
  • Relocation assistance for eligible candidates

ABOUT TEXTRON
Textron is a global Fortune 500 company with a diverse portfolio of industry leading brands, including Bell, Beechcraft, Cessna, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. We foster a culture where curiosity is encouraged, ideas are valued, and innovation drives real-world solutions.
Join Textron and build a career where your work makes an impact, your ideas are valued, and your growth is supported.
Applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the U.S. for Textron Aviation at the time of making application, and visa sponsorship is not available for this position, including for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors who will need employment sponsorship.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

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About Textron

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems.

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Providence, RI, US

Year founded

1923