ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Fighter Jet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lancesoft

Avionic Technician

Greenville, SC · On-site

$34 - $38/hr

Must be able to work 1st or 2nd shift as assigned after training * 4+ years F-16 fighter Avionics/Electrical Experience Required * manager will review candidates if they have other fighter jet ...

TAD PGS, Inc

APG Mechanic

Greenville, SC

$34 - $40/hr

Manager will consider candidates with 4 years if they have relevant fighter jet experience * Phase Maintenance, Final Assembly, or Flight Ops/Flight Readiness experience * Clearance at minimum must ...

Draken

Avionics Technician

Holloman Air Force Base, NM

$24.75 - $32.25/hr

Fighter Jet Experience preferred * At least 5 years of related Avionics Technician experience * Must be able to travel on TDY assignments * Must be able to work various shifts * Must have an in-depth ...

New

TAD PGS, Inc.

APG Mechanic

Greenville, SC

Manager will consider candidates with 4 years if they have relevant fighter jet experience * Phase Maintenance, Final Assembly, or Flight Ops/Flight Readiness experience * Clearance at minimum must ...

USAJOBS

AIRPLANE PILOT

Andrews Air Force Base, MD · On-site

$142K/yr

For position requiring the piloting of fighter jet aircraft (e.g., F-16, A-10, F-15, F-22), each hours as First Pilot and/or Instructor Pilot in a fighter jet aircraft may be counted as two hours of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFighter Jet Jobs

Fighter Jet information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do fighter jet jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for fighter jet in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 22 too old to become a fighter pilot?

Fighter pilots typically need to meet specific age requirements, often around 26 or younger for initial training, depending on the country's military. Being 22 is generally within the acceptable age range to start training, provided other qualifications such as vision, physical fitness, and education are met. Age limits vary by air force, so checking the specific branch's criteria is recommended.

What is the difference between Fighter Jet vs Pilot?

AspectFighter JetPilot
Required CredentialsMilitary pilot training, aviation licenses, specialized fighter jet trainingCommercial or private pilot licenses, flight training, aviation certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary airbases, combat zones, training facilitiesAirlines, private companies, charter services, airports
Industry UsageMilitary defense, combat missions, air superiorityPassenger transport, cargo, private flying

While both Fighter Jets and pilots involve aviation skills, Fighter Jets refer to military aircraft operated by trained military pilots for defense and combat, whereas pilots can also include commercial or private pilots flying non-military aircraft. The key differences lie in training, work environment, and industry focus.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

Fighter jet pilots in the military or private sector can earn $10,000 or more monthly, especially with experience and specialized skills. Other high-paying roles without a degree include commercial airline pilots, sales managers, and certain skilled trades like elevator installers or power plant operators, which often require certifications and extensive training but not necessarily a college degree.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying jobs such as senior corporate executives, specialized surgeons, and successful entrepreneurs can earn $500,000 or more annually. Fighter jet pilots in the military or private sector may also reach this level with experience and additional responsibilities, often requiring advanced training, certifications, and leadership roles.

What are fighter jets?

Fighter jets are fast, highly maneuverable military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat against other aircraft. They are equipped with advanced avionics, powerful engines, and a variety of weapons systems, allowing them to engage enemy targets in the air and sometimes on the ground. Fighter jets play a crucial role in maintaining air superiority during military operations and can also perform reconnaissance and ground attack missions. Modern fighter jets are often equipped with stealth technology, making them less detectable by radar.

How much do you get paid to fly a fighter jet?

Fighter jet pilots in the military typically earn between $60,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on rank, experience, and service branch. Military pilots also receive benefits such as housing allowances, healthcare, and retirement plans. Civilian test pilots or commercial jet pilots generally earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 per year, with experience and certifications influencing pay levels.

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

To thrive as a Fighter Jet Pilot, you need advanced aeronautical knowledge, superior physical fitness, and completion of rigorous military flight training programs. Proficiency with avionics systems, navigation technology, and weapons control systems is typically required, often supported by military certifications such as completion of Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring mission success, personal safety, and effective team operations in high-stakes environments.

What are some common challenges faced by fighter jet pilots during training and in active duty?

Fighter jet pilots often face intense physical and mental challenges, including mastering complex aircraft systems, maintaining situational awareness at high speeds, and enduring high G-forces during maneuvers. Training is rigorous and ongoing, requiring quick decision-making and the ability to perform under pressure. Additionally, pilots must work closely with ground crews, air traffic controllers, and mission planners to ensure safety and mission success. Balancing these demands with personal resilience and teamwork is key to thriving in this high-stakes role.
More about Fighter Jet jobs
What states have the most Fighter Jet jobs? States with the most job openings for Fighter Jet jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Fighter Jet jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fighter Jet jobs are:
Fighter Jet jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fighter Jet job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Airframe Powerplant Mechanic

Sky Jet Services

Greenville, SC • On-site

$34 - $38/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

About the Opportunity:
Join us as an Airframe Powerplant Mechanic on our Greenville Production Team, where you’ll support the final assembly, maintenance, and delivery of advanced F-16 aircraft. This is a hands-on role focused on ensuring aircraft readiness in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Responsibilities:
  • Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and modify aircraft systems and powerplants. 
  • Perform maintenance on landing gear, flight controls, fueling systems, and related aircraft systems. 
  • Support aircraft movement, launch, recovery, and final assembly operations. 

Requirements:
  • 6+ years of recent aircraft maintenance experience preferred (4+ years with fighter jet experience considered). 
  • Experience in Phase Maintenance, Final Assembly, or Flight Readiness. 
  • Must have at least an active/in-process clearance before start date. 
  • Flexible to work 1st, 2nd, or weekend shifts after training. 

Benefits & Perks:
  • Competitive pay: $34–$38/hour. 
  • Opportunity to work on advanced F-16 aircraft programs. 
  • Career growth in a dynamic aerospace environment.