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Entry Level Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

All JobsEntry Level Pilot JobsEntry Level Pilot Jobs in Virginia

Entry Level Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$49.1K

$129.8K

$199.3K

How much do entry level pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level pilot in Virginia is $129,793.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,100.00 and $153,700.00 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Pilot jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Pilot jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Pilot jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Pilot jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Pilot jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Pilot job openings:
Entry Level Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Pilot job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,793 per year, or $62.4 per hour.
Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

T. Parker Host

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

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.
Skills & Requirements Qualifications

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