2

Entry Level Pilot Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

... - Entry Level Support FLSA Code Nonexempt Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 ... Experience conducting field work, piloting drones, or processing drone data * Advanced GIS skills

... - Entry Level Support FLSA Code Nonexempt Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 ... Experience conducting field work, piloting drones, or processing drone data * Advanced GIS skills

Showing results 41-44

Entry Level Pilot information

See Illinois salary details

$48K

$126.9K

$194.8K

How much do entry level pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level pilot in Illinois is $126,861.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,900.00 and $150,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level pilot?

Entry level pilots are individuals who have recently earned their pilot licenses and are beginning their professional aviation careers. They typically hold a commercial pilot certificate and may work in roles such as flight instructors, regional airline first officers, or charter pilots. Entry level pilots are responsible for flying aircraft safely, following regulations, and gaining experience to qualify for more advanced positions. These pilots often use their initial jobs to build flight hours, develop skills, and advance to higher positions within the aviation industry.

What does an entry level pilot do?

An entry-level pilot has the same responsibilities as any other pilot, which are to ensure that an airplane takes off, travels, and lands safely. In this position, you may work as a copilot or flight engineer in addition to your duties as a pilot, depending on the need of the airline. These duties include checking that all flight instrumentation is working, performing safety and maintenance checks with other airplane technicians, and filing flight route plans. In the air, you ensure that the plane remains in communication with ground control.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level pilot?

To thrive as an Entry Level Pilot, you need a solid understanding of aerodynamics, navigation, and flight operations, typically backed by a commercial pilot’s license and completed flight training hours. Familiarity with aviation software, flight management systems (FMS), and aircraft-specific instrumentation is commonly required. Strong situational awareness, decisive communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient flight operations and effective responses to dynamic in-flight situations.

What are the typical training and mentorship opportunities available to entry level pilots starting their careers?

Entry level pilots generally undergo structured training programs that combine classroom instruction, simulator sessions, and supervised flight hours. New pilots often work closely with experienced captains and instructors who provide mentorship and guidance during the initial phases of their careers. Many airlines and flight schools also offer ongoing education and recurrent training to ensure pilots remain current with regulations and best practices. This supportive environment helps entry level pilots build confidence, refine their flying skills, and progress toward more advanced roles.

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

AspectEntry Level PilotFlight Instructor
Required CertificationsPrivate Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL)Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), CPL
Work EnvironmentAirlines, charter services, cargo carriersFlight schools, training aircraft
Industry UsageEntry-level commercial flying rolesTraining new pilots, gaining flight hours

Entry Level Pilots typically hold PPL and CPL licenses, working in commercial flying roles. Flight Instructors also hold CFI certification and focus on training pilots, often as a stepping stone to higher flying positions. Both roles require similar licenses but differ in work environment and primary responsibilities.

How much do entry level pilots get paid?

Entry-level pilots typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on the employer, location, and type of aircraft. Starting salaries are often lower, but can increase with experience, additional certifications, and flight hours accumulated.

What are the best entry-level pilot jobs?

Entry-level pilot jobs typically include positions such as flight instructor, banner tow pilot, or regional airline first officer. These roles often require a commercial pilot certificate, a minimum number of flight hours, and sometimes a type rating or specific aircraft experience. They provide foundational experience necessary for advancing to larger aircraft and more complex flying roles.

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

The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Pilot jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Pilot job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,861 per year, or $61 per hour.

$17 - $23/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

390th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Details
Open Date 07/28/2026 Requisition Number PRN45738B Job Title Laboratory Technicians Working Title Laboratory Technician-Wang Lab Career Progression Track S00 Track Level S3 - Skilled, S2 - Intermediate, S1 - Entry Level Support FLSA Code Nonexempt Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary
TBD
VP Area Academic Affairs Department 00116 - School of Biological Sciences Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range $17 - $23 per hour Close Date 09/29/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
Applicants are sought to fill a full-time position as Laboratory/Field Technician in the Dynamic Carbon and Ecosystems Lab (DYCE Lab; www.dycelab.net). The successful candidate will bring skills, experience, and/or interest in remote sensing, global ecology, geospatial software, field work, and drone technology. At a minimum, the successful applicant will be expected to contribute to coordinating field equipment, organizing and managing a dry lab environment, managing lab datasets, and assisting various researchers with their projects. Given relevant skills, interest, and experience, the applicant may also engage in processing drone-based remote sensing data to generate maps of ecosystem structure and composition, planning and conducting field campaigns in mountain and desert environments, and potentially leading research projects.
Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
Responsibilities
Perform laboratory tests, experiments, and analyses. Prepare and weigh samples for testing and analysis. Conduct tests, assays, and other protocols under the direction of a laboratory services manager, physician, nurse, or scientist. Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs). Ensure all laboratory equipment and work areas are clean, sterile, and in proper working order. May be responsible for calibration of instruments. Senior-level support role. Completes assignments with little supervision. May assist less-experienced team members.
Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Laboratory Technician, I: Requires little to no related experience.

Laboratory Technician, II: Requires at least 1 year of related experience.

Laboratory Technician, III: Requires 3+ years of related experience.
Preferences
  • Master's degree in Environmental Science, Geography, Ecology, or related fields.
  • Experience conducting field work, piloting drones, or processing drone data
  • Advanced GIS skills
  • Driver's License
  • Programming experience in R, Python, or similar languages
Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

What University Of Utah employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


University of Utah logo

About University of Utah

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US