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F35 Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DRG

F-35 CONTRACT INSTRUCTOR PILOT

Lemoore, CA · On-site

$75 - $90/hr

Supports pilot training in the F-35 simulator and academic classroom. Acts as a subject matter expert by applying advanced technical concepts in the area of aviation and provides assistance in ...

Canvas

10040 - F-35 Fleet Manager SME

Eglin, FL

Qualifications: F-35 Pilot required. In-depth knowledge of F-35 aeronautics, instrumentation, and avionics systems. Established connection with Joint Program Office leadership and personnel. Team ...

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F35 Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do f35 pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for f35 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 in the F35 Pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an F35 Pilot, you must have advanced aviation skills, superior situational awareness, and typically hold a bachelor's degree with completion of rigorous military flight training and selection programs. Proficiency in operating the F-35’s advanced avionics, mission systems, and simulator technology, along with appropriate military certifications, is critical. Strong decision-making, teamwork, and disciplined communication are vital soft skills that enable effective operation within high-pressure and complex environments. Mastery of these abilities ensures mission success, operational safety, and seamless collaboration with maintenance crews and tactical teams.

Do pilots make $300 an hour?

F-35 pilots, as military personnel, are typically paid a salary based on their rank and years of service, not hourly wages. Civilian airline or private jet pilots may earn around $100 to $300 per hour, depending on experience, employer, and aircraft type, but military pilots' compensation is structured differently. Therefore, military F-35 pilots do not generally make $300 an hour in pay, though their total compensation can include benefits and allowances.

What is an F-35 Pilot job?

An F-35 pilot is a highly trained military aviator responsible for operating the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, a stealth multirole fighter aircraft. They conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions, intelligence gathering, and tactical support operations. F-35 pilots undergo extensive training in flight school, simulator exercises, and live-flight drills to master advanced avionics and weapons systems. They typically serve in the Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps, executing missions that require precision, situational awareness, and quick decision-making.

What are the typical career progression opportunities for an F35 Pilot?

F35 Pilots often start in operational flying roles and, with experience, may advance to positions such as instructor pilot, flight lead, or mission commander. Many also move into leadership roles in flight training, squadron operations, or strategic planning within their unit or broader military command. Additionally, experienced pilots may pursue opportunities in test piloting, acquisition programs, or staff/officer roles focusing on air operations development. These career paths allow for continued professional growth, increased responsibility, and expanded impact within the defense aviation community.

How many F-35 pilots are there?

The number of F-35 pilots worldwide is not publicly available, but as of recent years, the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps each have hundreds of trained F-35 pilots. The aircraft is used by multiple allied nations, increasing the total pilot count globally. Training involves rigorous flight hours and certification processes to operate the advanced stealth fighter.

How much does a F-35 pilot make?

F-35 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.

Which pilots make $500,000 a year?

F-35 pilots, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and combat or test flight roles, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually when including bonuses and allowances. Such high earnings are typically associated with military or test pilots in advanced aircraft programs, often requiring advanced certifications and security clearances.
More about F35 Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for F35 Pilot jobs? Cities with the most F35 Pilot job openings:
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F35 Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various F35 Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

F-35 CONTRACT INSTRUCTOR PILOT

DRG

Lemoore, CA • On-site

$75 - $90/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support pilot training in the F-35 simulator and academic classroom.

  • Act as a subject matter expert by applying advanced technical concepts in aviation and providing assistance in creation of training material.

  • Facilitate pilot training in the F-35 Full Mission Simulator using the Instructor Operating Station (IOS) and serve as a subject matter expert on various aircraft systems in support of academic classroom training.

Job description

Description:

Supports pilot training in the F-35 simulator and academic classroom. Acts as a subject matter expert by applying advanced technical concepts in the area of aviation and provides assistance in creation of training material. This position is typically represented by an experienced military USAF/USN/USMC Weapons Systems Officer in Strike Fighter aircraft (F-15E, F-18E/F/G). Supports military pilot training in the F-35 Full Mission Simulator and academic classroom environment. Contract Instructor will facilitate pilot training in the F-35 Full Mission Simulator using the Instructor Operating Station (IOS) and will be a subject matter expert (SME) on various aircraft systems in support of academic classroom training.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications/Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with 6-years of professional experience.
  • Final Transferable Secret Security Clearance
  • Current Security Clearance investigation within 6 years from the investigation close date and ability to attain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) access
  • A Minimum of 750 hours Flight Time in USAF/USN/USMC Strike Fighter aircraft (e.g., F-15E, F-18/D/F/G)
  • In-depth knowledge of military publications and an understanding of fourth and / or fifth generation aircraft systems
  • Worked in an environment which required interaction with multiple functional area and personnel of a diverse nature
  • Use of Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills, excellent leadership traits and strong oral & written communication abilities.
  • Be willing to support flexible work hours to align with customer operational schedule
  • Ability to possibly participate in deployed operations to support customer requirements
  • The wage range for Contract Instructor Pilot is $75.00 - $90.00 Per Hour.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience:

  • Military simulator instructor experience
  • 1000 hours Flight time in USAF/USN/USMC Strike Fighter aircraft (e.g., F-15E, F-18/D/F/G)
  • Weapons school graduate
  • Proven successful experience with instructional products and services, evaluating pilot training and leading pilot students
  • Considered an expert, authority in discipline
  • Experience with F-35 program highly desired

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or disability.