ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Turner Mining Group

Entry Level Drone Operator Pilot

$20 - $21/hr

Drone Operator Pilots have a very heavy schedule. There is a great deal of nationwide travel associated with this job, often requiring extended periods away from home including weekends and/or ...

Polynt S.p.A.

Pilot Plant Chemist/Engineer

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

Pilot Plant Chemist/Engineer North Kansas City, MO. Schedule: 2 pm to 10 pm Monday to Friday. About Polynt Composites USA: Polynt Composites USA is a global leader in the manufacturing of composites ...

Polynt Group

Pilot Plant Chemist/Engineer

North Kansas City, MO · On-site

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

Pilot Plant Chemist/Engineer North Kansas City, MO. Schedule: 2 pm to 10 pm Monday to Friday. About Polynt Composites USA: Polynt Composites USA is a global leader in the manufacturing of composites ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPilot JobsEntry Level Pilot Jobs

Entry Level Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do entry level pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 cities are hiring for Entry Level Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Pilot jobs are:
Entry Level Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Jr. Drone Pilot (Jr. Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot) - Houston Region

Jr. Drone Pilot (Jr. Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot) - Houston Region

Arch Aerial LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Arch Aerial LLC is seeking a highly motivated Junior UAS Pilot (Drone Pilot) to create and collect both captivating content and high utility industrial inspection data (for our construction and energy service lines). This is a full time hourly position which can expect 35-45 hours per week.

Functions & Responsibilities

Execute scheduled UAS (unmanned aerial systems) missions for Arch Aerial LLC, primarily in industrial settings. Duties and responsibilities include execution of UAS flights, data management, and data transfer. Must be familiar with multi-rotor UAS operation; fixed wing UAS operational experience is a plus. As this is an entry level Junior UAS Pilot role, previous professional UAS Pilot experience is not required, but is highly recommended. Whether a candidate has previous professional UAS Piloting experience or not, training will be conducted by Arch Aerial on Arch Aerial piloting, process, safety, and technical skills for all new hires.

Workload will consist of roughly 35 - 45 hours of operation per week, with opportunities for overtime beyond 40 hours per week. Travel is to be expected, and candidates should understand that duties are often performed outside in Gulf Coast and Southwest climates which include hot and humid conditions. Additional opportunities for piloting work both inside and outside of the Greater Houston area will become available from time-to-time. Opportunities may become available for training as a Junior Data Technician as well. Piloting duties will be conducted in the field, and any administrative or data technician duties require the Junior UAS Pilot to be in-office (i.e. this position is not remote).

We value (i) experience, (ii) a strong and efficient work ethic, and (iii) strong piloting skills, and (iv) integrity more than a specific educational degree.

Requirements

  • Part 107 UAS Remote Pilot Endorsement
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Must be able to utilize a variety of computer applications including MS Office, and other on-line cloud storage and data transfer tools like Dropbox.
  • Must have a safety-oriented attitude on and off-site.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management, staff, customers, and industry.
Highly recommended, but not required:
  • 1 Year of Commercial UAS Piloting Experience (at minimum)
  • Adobe Suite Experience
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Benefits

There are no benefits offered with this position immediately, but the candidate may be eligible for future benefits programs enrollment pursuant to applicable probation periods.