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Entry Level Pilot Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Pilot information

See Renton, WA salary details

$55.7K

$147.3K

$226.1K

How much do entry level pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level pilot in Renton, WA is $147,258.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,500.00 and $174,300.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Renton, WA? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Renton, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Pilot jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Pilot jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Entry Level Pilot jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Entry Level Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Pilot job openings in Renton, WA 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 87% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,258 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Learning Specialist (Entry Level)

Learning Specialist (Entry Level)

McKinstry

Seattle, WA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 hours ago


McKinstry rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we're building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We're making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

  • renewables and energy services
  • engineering and design
  • construction and facility services

To get where we're going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity with McKinstry

McKinstry is looking for a Learning Specialist (Entry Level) to join our Talent Development team within Human Resources and play a pivotal role in bringing our learning programs to life. This role is an exciting entry point into learning and development, ideal for someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented, and interested in growing into a facilitation and program delivery role.

In this role, you will support the execution of enterprise learning programs that span early-career development, leadership training, and professional growth across the organization. From managing logistics and programming details to supporting virtual and in-person learning experiences, you will help ensure our programs run seamlessly and deliver meaningful impact for employees at every stage of their career.

You'll join a collaborative and creative team that partners closely with leaders across the business to design and deliver structured programs and tailored learning experiences.

This role offers the opportunity to build facilitation skills supporting and eventually lead early-in-career programs.

This role is based in Seattle, WA and follows a hybrid work schedule.

Key Responsibilities

Program Coordination & Logistics

  • Own end-to-end logistics for learning programs, including room reservations, catering, materials preparation, and assessment administration.
  • Manage vendor relationships across all aspects - day-to-day communication, performance tracking, issue resolution, and coordination with management on contract terms and renewals.
  • Serve as the primary operational point of contact for program delivery, ensuring seamless execution across all touchpoints.
  • Support the production of an enterprise-wide training calendar in coordination with the broader Talent Development team.

Virtual Facilitation & Production

  • Act as producer for the majority of Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) sessions, managing the technical environment, participant engagement tools, and session flow.
  • Partner with facilitators and content owners to ensure VILT sessions run smoothly, troubleshoot real-time issues, and continuously improve the virtual delivery experience.
  • Develop and maintain producer playbooks, run-of-show documents, and virtual facilitation standards.

LMS Coordination & Enterprise Learning Support

  • Support LMS administration in coordination with the LMS Administrator, including course scheduling, enrollment management, and reporting.
  • Collaborate with the Enterprise Learning Council (ELC) to implement LMS updates, improvements, and governance changes.
  • Maintain accurate records of program schedules, attendance, and evaluation data; contribute to learning dashboards and enterprise reporting.

Career Entry & Transition Program Facilitation

  • Facilitate and collaborate in the delivery of programs that support earlyincareer talent and individuals navigating career transitions into and within McKinstry, adapting approach based on audience, content, and experience level.
  • Serve as a connector and advocate for participants and stakeholders-coordinating onboarding, scheduling, and communications to create a cohesive, highquality experience.
  • Track program outcomes and participant experience, surfacing insights and recommending continuous improvements to strengthen program impact and alignment with talent pipeline needs.

Operational Excellence, Program Management & AI Support

  • Apply program and project management practices across all areas of responsibility, including scoping, planning, stakeholder communication, and delivery.
  • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), process documentation, and operating rhythms that support team consistency and scalability.
  • Support the operationalization and adoption of AI tools and technologies within the Talent Development function, coordinating with relevant partners to pilot, implement, and track usage.
  • Identify process gaps and contribute to the continuous improvement of TD workflows, templates, and program infrastructure. 
  • Performs other duties as required.

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry

  • Bachelor's degree in human resources, education, organizational development, communications, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
  • Experience coordinating logistics for learning or event-based programs preferred.
  • Familiarity with virtual facilitation platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Webex) and proficiency in production/hosting functions.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel); SharePoint experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated curiosity and hands-on experience with AI tools; willingness to actively experiment and share learnings with the team.
  • LMS experience preferred (scheduling, enrollment, and reporting functions).
  • Understanding of adult learning principles and how they apply to program facilitation and coordination.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple programs and priorities simultaneously.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
  • Passion for early-in-career development and creating equitable access to opportunity.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrate and embody McKinstry's core values in daily work, decision-making, and collaboration.

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

  • Competitive pay
  • 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

  • Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
  • Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
  • Transgender inclusive benefits
  • Commuter benefits
  • Pet insurance
  • "Building Good" paid community service time
  • Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
  • McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

If you're driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.

The pay range for this position is $29.00 - $45.00 per hour; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This is a non-exempt role and will be paid hourly. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity. 

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment iscontingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.

Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.

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