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F35 Fighter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... USN's and USMC's F-35 Lightning IIs. www.atacusa.com. Summary Fly the Dassault Mirage F-1 in ... Previously qualified DoD-trained Fighter Pilot * Previously qualified 4-Ship/Division Flight Lead ...

... USN's and USMC's F-35 Lightning IIs. www.atacusa.com. Summary Fly the Dassault Mirage F-1 in ... Previously qualified DoD-trained Fighter Pilot * Previously qualified 4-Ship/Division Flight Lead ...

Job Responsibilities Responsible for flying modern air dominance tactics as both an adversary in VATs and a fighter pilot in the F-22 / F-35 FIAB in support of various operational, test, and training ...

... F-35 Lightning IIs. Job Summary Fly the Dassault Mirage F-1, the IAI F-21 Kfir, the MK-58 Hawker ... Fly in support of 4th and 5th Generation Fighter operational and conversion syllabus and ...

... F-35 Lightning IIs. Job Summary Fly the Dassault Mirage F-1, the IAI F-21 Kfir, the MK-58 Hawker ... Fly in support of 4th and 5th Generation Fighter operational and conversion syllabus and ...

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F35 Fighter Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do f35 fighter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for f35 fighter 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.

How many F-35 pilots does the US have?

The United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps collectively operate over 1,700 F-35 fighter pilots. These pilots undergo extensive training and certification to operate the advanced stealth multirole fighter aircraft effectively.

What are some common challenges F35 Fighter Pilots face when transitioning from training to active duty squadrons?

F35 Fighter Pilots often face the challenge of adapting to the fast-paced environment and high expectations of active duty squadrons after completing their rigorous training. They must quickly learn to integrate with established teams, handle complex mission planning, and operate advanced avionics under real-world conditions. Additionally, balancing continuous learning with operational demands and maintaining peak physical and mental fitness can be demanding. Support from experienced pilots and ongoing mentorship are key resources that help new pilots succeed in this transition.

How much does a Lockheed Martin F-35 test pilot make?

F-35 test pilots, who are highly experienced military or civilian aviators, typically earn between $100,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and employer. These pilots often hold advanced certifications and work in specialized testing environments that require extensive training and security clearances.

What are F35 Fighter Pilots?

F35 Fighter Pilots are highly trained military aviators responsible for flying and operating the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, a state-of-the-art stealth multirole fighter jet. They conduct a wide range of missions, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, intelligence gathering, and reconnaissance. F35 Fighter Pilots undergo extensive training to master both the advanced technology and tactical skills required to operate this fifth-generation aircraft. Their role is critical to maintaining air superiority and supporting national defense objectives.

How difficult is it to become an F-35 pilot?

Becoming an F-35 fighter pilot requires completing extensive military training, including earning a bachelor's degree, passing physical and medical exams, and completing flight training through the Air Force or Navy. Candidates must also demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and meet strict performance standards throughout their training pipeline.

What is the difference between F35 Fighter Pilot vs F16 Fighter Pilot?

AspectF35 Fighter PilotF16 Fighter Pilot
Required CertificationsMilitary pilot certification, advanced flight training, specific F35 program trainingMilitary pilot certification, advanced flight training, F16-specific training
Work EnvironmentAdvanced stealth fighter cockpit, modern aircraft systems, integrated mission environmentsTraditional fighter cockpit, combat and training missions, high-speed operations
Employer & IndustryU.S. Air Force, allied air forces, defense contractorsU.S. Air Force, allied air forces, defense contractors

The main difference between an F35 Fighter Pilot and an F16 Fighter Pilot lies in the aircraft technology and mission capabilities. F35 pilots operate the latest stealth and multi-role aircraft with advanced systems, while F16 pilots operate a proven, versatile fighter aircraft. Both roles require similar military pilot certifications and serve in comparable military environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an F35 Fighter Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an F35 Fighter Pilot, you need exceptional aeronautical knowledge, physical fitness, quick decision-making, and a bachelor's degree, usually accompanied by completion of military flight training and officer commissioning. Proficiency with advanced avionics, mission planning systems, and simulation technology is critical, along with potential certifications in tactical operations. Outstanding situational awareness, stress resilience, and effective teamwork set top pilots apart. These skills ensure mission success, safety, and the ability to operate one of the world's most advanced aircraft in high-pressure environments.

How much does an F-35 pilot earn?

F-35 fighter 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 plans, and often undergo rigorous training and certification processes.
More about F35 Fighter Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for F35 Fighter Pilot jobs? Cities with the most F35 Fighter Pilot job openings:
What states have the most F35 Fighter Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for F35 Fighter Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching F35 Fighter Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for F35 Fighter Pilot jobs are:
Infographic showing various F35 Fighter Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Fighter Pilot - (Secret Clearance)

Fighter Pilot - (Secret Clearance)

MILVETS Systems Technology, Inc.

Hampton, VA • On-site

$83K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Position: Fighter Pilot or WSO (Weapon Systems Officer) / CSO (Combat Systems Officer) / NFO (Naval Flight Officer)

Location: Langley AFB, VA

Clearance Required: Active D.O.D. Secret Clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI and SAP/SAR

Employment Type: Full-Time, On-site

MILVETS Systems Technology, Inc. is seeking a mission-driven Fighter Pilot or WSO (Weapon Systems Officer) / CSO (Combat Systems Officer) / NFO (Naval Flight Officer) for Air Combat Command’s Combat Air Forces Distributed Training Center (CAF DTC) at Langley AFB, VA.  Daily, the CAF DTC provides world-class integration training in large force and small team formats to combat units around the globe against cutting-edge threats in a boundless virtual battle space.

About the company: Since its founding in 1986, MILVETS Systems Technology, Inc. has been a reliable provider of quality services in the information and technology fields. As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, certified by the Small Business Administration as a Small Disadvantaged Business, the company was founded to offer efficient, cost-effective information technology services to commercial and government clients.

Responsibilities:

  • Facilitate integration training by role-playing fighter aircraft in Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) events for:

- U.S. and allied military aircrew

- Air battle managers

- Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs)

  • Learn and execute missions using Combat Environment Server (CES), Next Generation Threat System (NGTS), and/or Modern Air Combat Environment (MACE)
  • Maintain current knowledge of threats, tactics, techniques, and procedures by reviewing tactics manuals, flash bulletins and tactics bulletins
  • Support daily training by scheduling, mission planning, creating mission materials, briefing, executing, and debriefing the DTC’s Large Force Exercises (LFEs) and Small Team events
  • Attend CAF exercise planning conferences (e.g. RED FLAG), meetings, and sites as to discuss unit training requirements; then, you’ll help the DTC incorporate those unit training requirements into missions

Additional duties may include:

  • Providing consulting expertise to military and/or defense clients to develop and evaluate military training and doctrine
  • Providing specialized planning and/or execution expertise in specialized phases of military training exercises--including doctrinal development, scenario development, after action review and data analysis

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree with 9 years' experience; master’s degree with 7 years' experience; PhD with 4 years' experience
  • Fighter Pilot, NFO, CSO, or WSO with any of the following aircraft = (F-15, F-16, F/A-18, EA-18G, F-22, F-35)
  • Thorough knowledge of AFTTP 3-1 fighter or bomber employment, or other service equivalent manual
  • Operationally relevant experience within the past 10 years (simulator experience considered)
  • Secret Clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI and SAP/SAR

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Mission Commander qualified
  • Instructor Pilot/WSO/CSO/NFO experience
  • Thorough knowledge of 5th gen fighter employment and/or integration
  • Possess an active DoD Top Secret security clearance

The U.S. Air Force can only utilize its full capability against modern threats in a virtual environment.  Be a part of that environment and continue to make the USAF the best Air Force in the world, at the CAF DTC.

MILVETS offers an excellent benefits package including Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Vision, 401(k), Paid Time Off. 

Applicants for U.S. based positions with MILVETS Systems Technology, Inc. must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

www.dhs.gov/E-Verify     E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

MILVETS Systems Technology, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and maintains a Drug-Free Workplace.

MILVETS Systems Technology, Inc. (“MILVETS”) uses JazzHR Talent Fit AI to assist in candidate evaluation. This tool leverages artificial intelligence to generate insights but does not make autonomous hiring decisions. All employment decisions are made solely by MILVETS’ recruitment and management teams.  

Candidate data processed through JazzHR Talent Fit AI is handled in compliance with applicable privacy and data protection regulations, including GDPR, and MILVETS’ internal policies. MILVETS is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and complies with all relevant EEOC regulations to ensure fair and equitable hiring practices.  

By applying, candidates acknowledge and consent to the use of this tool for recruitment purposes.

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