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F16 Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pilot experience preferably in Block 40,50 F-16 (current Guard or Reserve experience a plus) * Ability to work weekends and off-shifts as required * Ability to travel to site for installs and ...

F-16 Pilot/Test Director

Arlington, TX · On-site

$110 - $165/hr

Pilot experience preferably in Block 40,50 F-16 (current Guard or Reserve experience a plus) * Ability to work weekends and off-shifts as required * Ability to travel to site for installs and ...

Pilot experience preferably in Block 40,50 F-16 (current Guard or Reserve experience a plus) * Ability to work weekends and off-shifts as required * Ability to travel to site for installs and ...

The Ground Advisor Pilot ("Advisor") provides F-16 subject matter expertise and instruction to foreign F-16 pilots, specifically on the operations and employment of the aircraft. The Advisor will ...

The Ground Advisor Pilot ("Advisor") provides F-16 subject matter expertise and instruction to foreign F-16 pilots, specifically on the operations and employment of the aircraft. The Advisor will ...

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F16 Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do f16 pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for f16 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 is an F16 pilot?

F16 pilots are highly trained military aviators responsible for flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a multi-role fighter jet used by air forces around the world. Their duties include operating the aircraft in combat, training, reconnaissance, and support missions. F16 pilots must master advanced flight maneuvers, navigation, weapons systems, and tactical operations. They undergo rigorous selection, training, and continuous skill development to ensure mission readiness and safety. The role demands physical fitness, mental acuity, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an F16 pilot?

To thrive as an F16 Pilot, you need advanced aeronautical knowledge, exceptional physical fitness, and completion of rigorous military flight training and certification. Mastery of avionics systems, radar, weapons systems, and flight simulation tools is essential. Outstanding situational awareness, quick decision-making, and teamwork are critical soft skills for success in high-pressure environments. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring mission effectiveness, operational safety, and successful collaboration with ground and air crews.

What are some common challenges faced by F16 pilots during training and operational missions?

F16 pilots often face challenges such as mastering complex avionics systems, maintaining situational awareness at high speeds, and executing precise maneuvers under stressful conditions. Training is rigorous and demands both physical and mental endurance, as pilots must adapt to rapidly changing mission scenarios and environments. Additionally, F16 pilots frequently collaborate with ground crews and other pilots to ensure mission success, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills.

What is the difference between F16 Pilot vs F/A-18 Pilot?

AspectF16 PilotF/A-18 Pilot
Required CertificationsMilitary pilot certification, FAA license (if applicable), specialized fighter pilot trainingMilitary pilot certification, FAA license (if applicable), carrier landing training
Work EnvironmentAir Force fighter jets, airbases, combat zonesNavy fighter jets, aircraft carriers, maritime environments
Employer & IndustryU.S. Air Force, defense industryU.S. Navy, defense industry

Both F16 and F/A-18 pilots are highly trained military aviators operating advanced fighter jets. The main differences lie in their work environment—F16 pilots typically operate from land-based airbases, while F/A-18 pilots often fly from aircraft carriers. Certifications and training are similar, but carrier landing skills are specific to F/A-18 pilots. Both roles require rigorous physical and technical training, with employment primarily in the defense sector.

How do you become an F-16 pilot?

To become an F-16 pilot, candidates must join the military, typically the Air Force, and complete officer training. They then undergo specialized flight training and earn their pilot wings, gaining experience in advanced aircraft systems and combat tactics before qualifying to fly the F-16.
More about F16 Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for F16 Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most F16 Pilot job openings:

What states have the most F16 Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for F16 Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching F16 Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for F16 Pilot jobs are:

Infographic showing various F16 Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

F-16 Ferry Pilot - TEMPORARY

Top Aces Corporation

Arizona City, AZ • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

F-16 Ferry Pilot - TEMPORARY

Full Time Mesa, AZ, US

7 days ago Requisition ID: 1150

F-16 Ferry Pilot is responsible for mission planning, briefing, execution, and debriefing missions in support of the safe and efficient movement of F-16 Aircraft between designated locations via preplanned routing and multiple sorties. As an experienced F-16 Pilot, this role will conduct aircraft delivery missions consisting of multiple sorties with individual flight durations of up to eight (8) hours. International operations may include departures, transits, arrivals, potential diversions, and landings at international airports throughout Europe, Africa, and South America. The information below is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform mission planning in preparation for F-16 AOS movement as directed by authorized planning agency.
  • Accomplish necessary ground training prior to flights.
  • Deploy as required to support mission and contract requirements.
  • Act as or support personnel responsible for flight safety, training, scheduling, standardization and evaluation, or other Program Management duties as needed.
  • Adhere to all directions provided by the Chief Pilot, Director of OPS, AOS Director and Ferry Flight F-16 Flight Lead as well as the Contract Requesting Official (CRO).
  • Adhere to OSHA and OH&S requirements, demonstrate proper use of PPE, safety systems, and tools.
  • Report hazards (such as unsafe situations and activities) and other safety concerns as soon as humanly possible to supervisor and through Company’s Safety Management System (SMS).
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Previously qualified US DoD-trained F-16 pilot or equivalent allied training program.
  • Previously qualified in Air-to-Air Refueling in the F-16.
  • 500 hours Pilot In Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DoD (or Allied) fighter aircraft.
  • TAC F-16 pilots will have valid U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or military qualifications and currencies for F-16.
  • Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines while fostering a positive attitude.
  • Must have strong problem‑solving abilities.
  • Proficient in the English language with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Must be able to travel within the US and internationally.
  • Must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a F-16 Ferry Pilot in daily work performance.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a US security clearance at the secret level, or NATO equivalent.
  • Must not be barred from any military installation.

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES

  • FAA instrument Currency, EASA Instrument Currency, or DoD military F-16 currency.
  • Second Class Medical Certificate or DoD equivalent medical clearance.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 1,000 hours PIC in F-16
  • 500 hours as an F-16 Instructor Pilot
  • Previous performance of a trans‑oceanic fighter aircraft AOS movement as Pilot in Command
  • Squadron Command experience
  • FAA CFI (I) Certificate

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be able to work in various weather environments and conditions.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, sit, talk, walk, hear, see, and reach with hands and arms.
  • This position requires close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • This role is performed around loud noises and hazardous chemicals with exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risks of electrical shock. The F-16 Ferry Pilot must be able to work in environments with exposure to noise, chemicals, dust, and varying weather conditions.

TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT NOTICE

This is a temporary position established to support the completion of specific contract-related deliverables. The assignment is anticipated to last approximately 9–14 days and is expected to conclude upon completion of the required deliverables. The anticipated duration is an estimate and may vary based on operational and contractual requirements.

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