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

Entry Level Pilot information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$56.3K

$149K

$228.7K

How much do entry level pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level pilot in Seattle, WA is $148,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,800.00 and $176,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Pilot jobs in Seattle, WA? For Entry Level Pilot jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Entry Level Pilot jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Entry Level Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Pilot job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,986 per year, or $71.6 per hour.

Entry Level Flight Deck Crew Operations Engineer

Boeing

Everett, WA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 hours ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 612 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

Entry Level Flight Deck Crew Operations Engineer
Company:
The Boeing Company
Job ID:
00000299268
Date Posted:
2022-03-08-08:00
Location:
USA - Everett, WA
Job Description Qualifications:
In Flight Deck, we define the look and feel of the interface for the pilots, responsible for that design from the drawing board to the entry into service of an airplane. We are experts in flight operations, with unique knowledge of how flight crews operate our airplanes, what their needs, tasks, and constraints are, and we work closely with pilots from all over the world to deliver industry leading flight decks. A flight deck engineer can have a focus areas which may include: airplane system functions (hydraulics, electrical, flight controls, etc.) display formats, menus and control interfaces; display hardware; flight management system; instrument panel layouts, crew alerting, electronic flight bag; crew personal electronic devices, failure effects and analysis; navigation; communication equipment; crew procedures, crew training, human factors/cognition; and ergonomic analysis.
A flight deck engineer can have a focus area which may include: airplane system functions (hydraulics, electrical, flight controls, etc.), display formats, menus and control interfaces, display hardware, flight management system, instrument panel layouts, crew alerting, electronic flight bag, crew personal electronic devices, failure effects and analysis, navigation, communication equipment, crew procedures, and crew training.
This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. "US Person" includes US Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Position Responsibilities:
  • Preform a wide variety of dynamic and challenging work on existing and new flight decks.
  • Designing, testing, and certifying the look, feel, and operational behavior of the flight deck, from the early conceptual phase to supporting airplanes through their service life.
  • Establishing design requirements for changes and enhancements to the flight crew interface on existing or new commercial airplane models, and testing and implementing those enhancements.
  • Leading cross-functional reviews to understand airplane-level impacts of system failures and the associated flight deck effects and pilot actions.
  • Supporting product development efforts to identify new and emerging technologies to increase aviation safety and add value to our products or services.
  • Prototyping cockpit layouts using commercial and company-unique computing tools, and validating design requirements and flight deck design philosophies during test programs using analysis, flight deck simulators, and flight test airplanes.
  • Collaborating with pilots, designers, and systems engineers to ensure flight deck interfaces and flight management automation complements the cognitive, physical, sensory and ergonomic capabilities of our pilots.
  • Ensuring practical application of Boeing Flight Deck and human factors design principles, commonality and integration with other mission objectives.

The Successful Candidate will:
  • Work with experienced Flight Deck engineers and lead engineers.
  • Have the ability to effectively communicate with a diverse engineering team in order to establish a consensus on complex technical issues.
  • The successful Flight Deck team member has a passion for aviation and enjoys working with a team of pilots, engineers, and customers who share that same passion.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry. ABET is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard. by June 2022.
  • Ability to travel domestically or international. Frequent travel to other local Puget Sound sites is required.
  • Must have the ability to effectively communicate with a diverse engineering team in order to establish a consensus on complex technical issues.
  • Independently work assignments, collaborate with teammates, and receive tasking from a lead engineer.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
  • Engineering degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Computer Engineering with experience in these fields.
  • Aviation or Flight Operations Experience.
  • Pilots license.
  • Experience in ABET.

Typical Education & Experience:
Education/experience typically acquired through advanced technical education from an accredited course of study in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or chemistry (e.g. Bachelor) or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience. In the USA, ABET accreditation is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard.
Relocation:
This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility. Note: Basic relocation will be offered for eligible internal candidates.
Travel:
Less than 10% domestic or international.
Drug free workplace:
Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Shift:
This is a 1st shift position.
Union:
This is a union-represented position.
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial airplanes and defense, space and security systems. We are engineers and technicians. Skilled scientists and thinkers. Bold innovators and dreamers. Join us, and you can build something better for yourself, for our customers and for the world.
Relocation:
Relocation is available for eligible candidates, if authorized
Export Control Requirement:
This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. "US Person" includes US Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Safety Sensitive:
This is not a safety sensitive position
Contingent Upon Award Program
This position is not contingent upon program award
Experience Level:
Individual Contributor - 1
Job Type:
Regular
Job Code:
6K8CI1 (62R)
Equal Employment Opportunity:
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