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F 22 Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineer II

Poway, CA · On-site

$68K - $116K/yr

In a first, F-22 pilot controls wingman drone from cockpit * GA-ASI Lockheed Martin and L3Harris Collaborate on Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming Flight Test * GA-ASI Flies Government Reference Autonomy Stack ...

Minimum of Five Hundred (500) hours experience in a 4th plus generation fighter (i.e. F-16, F-18, F-35, F-22, F-15) as a pilot, within the past five (5) years or qualified as a contract instructor in ...

CITIZEN Required Skills: - Minimum of five hundred (500) hours air-to-air and air-to-ground experience in F-16, F-15, F-18, F-22, F-35 or other comparable aircraft as an instructor pilot, or ...

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

AV-8 or F-35B experience and/or V-22 experience * FAA certification flight test experience * Flight instructional experience * Test pilot school instructional experience * Experience with all ...

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F 22 Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do f 22 pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for f 22 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 F-22 Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an F-22 Pilot, you need exceptional aeronautical knowledge, advanced flight training, and a bachelor's degree, along with completion of Air Force Officer Training and specialized fighter pilot programs. Mastery of advanced avionics systems, radar, and weapons platforms, as well as qualification through programs like the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF), are typically required. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills. These competencies are essential for operating a highly sophisticated aircraft in complex, high-stakes environments where split-second actions can impact mission success and safety.

How much does a F-22 pilot make?

F-22 pilots in the military typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on rank, experience, and years of service. Military pilots also receive benefits such as housing allowances, healthcare, and retirement options, with salaries increasing with promotions and additional qualifications.

What is the difference between F 22 Pilot vs F 35 Pilot?

AspectF 22 PilotF 35 Pilot
Required CertificationsMilitary pilot certification, specialized fighter pilot trainingMilitary pilot certification, advanced fighter pilot training
Work EnvironmentAir Force combat aircraft, high-performance fighter jetAir Force combat aircraft, multi-role stealth fighter
Employer & IndustryU.S. Air Force, military aviationU.S. Air Force, military aviation

Both F 22 Pilots and F 35 Pilots are highly trained military aviators operating advanced fighter jets for the U.S. Air Force. The main differences lie in the aircraft they operate—F 22 Pilots fly the stealthy F 22 Raptor, while F 35 Pilots operate the multi-role F 35 Lightning II. Their training, certifications, and work environments are similar, but their aircraft capabilities and mission profiles differ.

What are the most common challenges faced by F-22 pilots during training and operational missions?

F-22 pilots often encounter challenges related to mastering advanced avionics, adapting to the high-speed decision-making required in complex air combat scenarios, and maintaining peak physical conditioning to withstand high G-forces. Training is intense and continuous, requiring pilots to stay current with evolving tactics and technology. Additionally, F-22 pilots must collaborate closely with ground crews and other pilots to ensure mission success and safety, making communication and teamwork essential skills.

What are F-22 pilots?

F-22 pilots are specially trained military aviators who operate the F-22 Raptor, a fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft used by the United States Air Force. These pilots are responsible for conducting air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, utilizing the aircraft's advanced stealth, speed, and agility. Becoming an F-22 pilot requires rigorous training, including basic flight school, fighter pilot training, and specialized instruction on the F-22 platform. F-22 pilots play a critical role in maintaining air superiority and supporting national defense objectives.
Infographic showing various F 22 Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 49% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
5th Gen Fighter Support SME with Security Clearance

5th Gen Fighter Support SME with Security Clearance

Planned Systems International

Hampton, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Overview:
Planned Systems International (PSI) is an Enterprise IT services company who focuses on designing, building, securing, and operating cutting-edge software solutions that drive mission success and operational excellence for Federal Government organizations. We are currently seeking a prior F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22 or F-35 Pilot to provide onsite support to Headquarters Air Combat Command (ACC) at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. A candidate with a strong background in the JCIDS process, trends analysis, Capabilities Based Assessments, Analysis of Alternatives would easily succeed in this position. The ideal candidate would have expertise in analyzing Joint Urgent Operational Need requirements. Finally, an ideal candidate would have a strong understanding of the Air Force PPBE resource requirements process. Essential Functions and Job Responsibilities:
- Support and assist with efforts to translate requirements into documented studies and analyses.
- Provide technical and analytical support to track and analyze trends, user requirements, and assist in development of critical documentation to support system resource requirements.
- Provide technical and analytical support to assess capability requirements, associated capability gaps and risks, and facilitate fielding of capability solutions.
- Conduct analyses in support of the development, validation, and coordination of HQ ACC requirements documents such as AoA, ICD, CDD, OCDD, and CPD.
- Develop Rapid Prototyping Requirements/Rapid Fielding Requirements Documents, Capabilities Needs Statements, and support Solutions Pathway Reviews
- Provide SME analysis of Joint Urgent Operational Need and Urgent Operational Need requirements.
- Provide expert analysis and tech support to concept refinement, threat analysis, development of operational concepts, input into the POM, cost, and risk analysis.
- Provide support to effectively plan, program, budget, and execute resource requirements.
- Assist in performing capabilities, program, and cost analysis for new systems or for fiscal parameters and measurements.
- Monitor and analyze funding execution.
- Support efforts to accomplish studies, technical analysis, and reports to determine capability gaps, inefficiencies, and effectiveness of capabilities within the A5/8/9 mission area. Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
- MAJCOM or higher-level staff (combination of active duty, government service, or contractor).
- Active T3 investigation, with the ability to obtain and maintain necessary security clearances as required for access to classified information (i.e. T5, SCI & SAP).
- Seven years Rated Operational F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22 or F-35 Pilot Experience (Last Flight within 10 Years).
- JCIDS Requirements experience.