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Entry Level Pilot Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

All JobsPilot JobsEntry Level Pilot JobsEntry Level Pilot Jobs in Iowa

Entry Level Pilot information

See Iowa salary details

$46.5K

$123K

$188.8K

How much do entry level pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level pilot in Iowa is $122,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,900.00 and $145,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it true that 80% of flight students quit?

While dropout rates among flight students vary, some industry reports suggest that approximately 20-30% of students discontinue training before earning their pilot certification. Factors influencing this include the high cost of training, rigorous skill requirements, and personal or financial challenges. Entry level pilots often need to complete extensive training and accumulate flight hours, which can be demanding for many students.

How to make $500,000 a year as a pilot?

Entry level pilots typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high earnings are usually achieved after many years of experience, flying for major airlines, or working as corporate or cargo pilots. Increasing income involves gaining advanced certifications, accumulating flight hours, and progressing to senior or specialized roles, often requiring a combination of skills, experience, and seniority.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Pilot, and why are they important?

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.

Can you become a pilot with no experience?

Entry level pilots typically need to obtain a private pilot license, which requires completing flight training and passing written and practical exams. While no prior experience is necessary to start training, aspiring pilots must meet age, medical, and educational requirements before certification.

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 entry level pilots?

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 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 are the best entry-level pilot jobs?

Entry-level pilot jobs typically include positions such as flight instructor, charter pilot, or regional airline first officer. These roles often require a commercial pilot certificate, a minimum of 250 flight hours, and sometimes an instrument rating. They provide essential experience for advancing to larger aircraft and airline careers.

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.

More about Entry Level Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Pilot jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Pilot jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Pilot jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Pilot jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Pilot jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Pilot job openings:
Entry Level Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Pilot job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $122,965 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Crew Member - Entry Level to Experienced.

Denco

Mingo, IA

$28.62/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Denco Highway Construction Corporation is hiring Crew Members and flaggers.

Total entry-level wage: $28.62 per hour (includes per diem and based on an 8-hour workday).

$15.50 - $21.00 Per Hour (Depending on Experience) + $105 Per Day (per diem)

  • A typical workday is 10 to 14 hours with time-and-a-half overtime pay starting after 40 hours worked in a week.

Benefits:
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
401k
Per Diem provided for travel expenses

Experience required: Entry Level - 10+ years. 

Job Type: Full-Time Seasonal (Approx. March-November)

WHAT IS DENCO?

Family-owned and operated, trusted by all 99 Iowa Counties, and a great place to grow.  Denco Highway Construction Corporation is a highway construction and maintenance company that has been improving roads in Iowa for more than 35 years.  We offer government and private customers solutions to improve their roads and culverts.    

At Denco, we are HONEST, FAIR, BETTER.  At Denco, we believe that business practices matter.  Employees committed to living and working by these standards are the key to achieving our goals.  We promise the same to you.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the basic supervision of the crew superintendent, foreman, and crew leaders, the Crew Member performs unskilled and semi-skilled tasks to maintain roads and ensure clear and safe roads for travelers. All responsibilities and requirements for Traffic Control Flaggers also apply to Crew Members, as flagging is considered a regular or occasional part of their job duties.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and responsibilities performed by Crew Members. Furthermore, Denco employs five or more satellite crews during the work season. Crew members on all crews share many essential job duties and requirements; however, the specific tools and skills necessary vary slightly. Employees may occasionally be required to change crews temporarily due to project and personnel needs.

Employees must be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

JOB DUTIES:

  • Traffic Control Flagger duties**, including:
    • Maintaining safe work zones by following safety rules and MUTCD guidelines.
    • Erecting, monitoring, and removing signs, cones, and other warning devices.
    • Providing positive communication with the traveling public and co-workers as they relay traffic signals to ensure everyone's safety.
    • Standing at attention next to a stop/slow paddle for extended periods.
    • Driving and operating a Pilot Car*.
  • Driving trucks, possibly hauling trailers loaded with equipment or aggregate*.
  • Operating small hand tools and machines, including drills, saws, air compressors, sandblasters, tar pots, and skid loaders.
  • Sealing, filling, and patching cracks and joints in concrete and asphalt.
  • Performing carpentry and masonry work in constructing and repairing streets, roads, sidewalks, curbs, and culverts.
  • Performing site clean-up and picking up trash and debris.

JOB ACTIVITIES:

  • Performing physical activities that require considerable use of arms, legs, and whole body, such as lifting, balancing, walking/jogging, bending, and handling sometimes heavy materials.
  • Using hands, arms, and legs in handling, moving, carrying, and manipulating tools, machines, and processes.
  • Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or job environment to detect or assess problems and solutions.
  • Occasional work near moving mechanical parts and heated materials.
  • Inspecting and using Personal Protective Equipment as needed, including retro-reflective clothing, gloves, hard hats, hearing protection, eye protection, face protection, face mask (after required pulmonary and fit-testing), etc.
  • Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

JOB REQUIRED ABILITIES:

  • Ability to exert force to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 60 lbs.
  • Ability to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support the body in repetitive, continuous job activities without injury or overly fatiguing.
  • Power, dexterity, and coordination to walk/jog, bend, stand in one place, and manipulate objects continuously over the course of a day.
  • Ability to withstand outdoor weather elements such as heat, cold, and wind (after a period of acclimatization).
  • Ability to carry out oral and written instructions.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Possession of a valid Iowa driver's license (for some duties).
  • Participation in required random drug and alcohol testing.
  • Willingness to travel throughout Iowa and work outside of regular work hours.
  • Reliable transportation to and from the worksite or agreed meeting place.
  • Be punctual and reliable.

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