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Entry Level Commercial Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

HVAC Apprentice

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

... pilots, thermostats and burners, transformers, controls, relays, heaters, elements, switches and ... ABM serves a wide range of market sectors including commercial real estate, aviation, education ...

Entry Level Commercial Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$20.4K

$49.3K

$100.7K

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level commercial pilot in Virginia is $49,251.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,524.00 and $56,893.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Commercial Pilot jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Commercial Pilot jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Commercial Pilot jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Commercial Pilot jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Commercial Pilot jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Commercial Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Commercial Pilot job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,251 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

T. Parker Host

Norfolk, VA

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description


Dating back to a century ago in 1923, T. Parker Host quickly developed a strong reputation for offering exceptional service and solutions as a ship agency. HOST is the largest dry bulk agent in the United States and handles nearly 4,000 vessels annually, including dry bulk, breakbulk, tankers and cruise ships. As agents, we represent principals from around the world and coordinate directly with both local and international parties for every ship we’re appointed – improving efficiency for our customers. Host Agency continues to develop a strong worldwide network of relationships throughout the maritime community.

In addition to immediately serving our customers’ vessels, we offer a range of services to add value and support throughout the supply chain – from forwarding and documentation, to commodity reporting, to cargo monitoring.

Position Summary:

Entry-level position and springboard to embark on a career in the maritime field. Liaise with pilots, tug boats, linemen, US Customs and Border Protection, US Coast Guard, cargo interests and vessel owners to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations while in port. Excellent opportunity for those looking to spend time in the field, as well as time in the office, handling communications and port expenses. Must be comfortable with a flexible schedule, working nights and weekends as needed based on vessels' schedules.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Operations Management

  • Boarding of vessels at marine facilities and mid-stream locations
  • Coordinate berthing assignments and order pilots, tugs, and linesmen for vessels
  • Coordinate and order vessel husbandry services within authorized funding limits
  • Provide timely and accurate responses to incoming email requests for assigned ships and general office traffic when required
  • Draft, execute, and dispatch commercial documentation with timeliness and accuracy
  • Be contactable at all times while on call and maintain readiness to respond to vessel requirements and changes of boarding schedules after office hours
  • Follow Company Standard Operating Procedures and seek guidance when modifications for specific calls or other questions arise
  • Travel to and provide operations support to other ports when required by the Host management team
  • Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members as required

Regulatory

  • Coordinate with U.S. Government Agencies to prepare and submit required documents, verify successful filings of reporting notices, and schedule necessary vessel attendances within required time frames
  • Verify successful filing of cargo import, entry, and export manifests within required time frames

Service

  • Maintain professional acumen and a customer service mindset when dealing with Host customer, stakeholder and industry relationships

Education, Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities Required:

  • Prior customer service experience, required. Prior agency experience, a plus.
  • Transitioning military personnel and veterans encouraged to apply.
  • Must have valid driver's license with clean driving record.
  • Strong interpersonal skills including excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Self-motivated and able to multi-task in a constantly changing work environment
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to manage high volumes of electronic communication, both in office and while mobile in the field
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays and adapt to fluid ship port schedules in 24/7/365 port operations
  • ASBA agency certified or willing to become within first three months of employment

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to board vessels via gangway and/or pilot ladder alongside berth and over open water
  • Climbing, ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps using feet and legs and/or hands and arms
  • Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs
  • Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions (cold, heat, wind, rain, snow)

HOST, and its affiliated companies, is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.