AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
Aviation Officer
Duluth, MN · On-site
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
Aviation Officer
Duluth, MN · On-site
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
Aviation Officer
Miami, FL · On-site
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
Aviation Officer
Miami, FL · On-site
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
Aviation Officer
Adelphi, MD · On-site
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
Aviation Officer
Adelphi, MD · On-site
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
Aviation Officer
Thornton, CO · On-site
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
Aviation Officer
Thornton, CO · On-site
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
Aviation Officer
Missoula, MT · On-site
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
Aviation Officer
Missoula, MT · On-site
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
Aviation Officer
Gulfport, MS · On-site
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
Aviation Officer
Gulfport, MS · On-site
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
Aviation Officer
Des Moines, IA · On-site
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
Aviation Officer
Des Moines, IA · On-site
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
Aviation Officer
Waterloo, IA · On-site
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
Aviation Officer
Waterloo, IA · On-site
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds ... You're in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence ...
Fighter Jet Pilot information
See salary details
$49.5K - $63.3K
10% of jobs
$63.3K - $77K
7% of jobs
$77K - $90.8K
3% of jobs
$101.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$90.8K - $104.6K
6% of jobs
$104.6K - $118.4K
7% of jobs
$118.4K - $132.1K
5% of jobs
The median wage is $140.7K / yr.
$132.1K - $145.9K
17% of jobs
$153.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$145.9K - $159.7K
33% of jobs
$159.7K - $173.5K
5% of jobs
$173.5K - $187.2K
3% of jobs
$187.2K - $201K
2% of jobs
$49.5K
$130.9K
$201K
How much do fighter jet pilot jobs pay per year?
As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for fighter jet 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 does a fighter jet pilot do?
A fighter jet pilot is responsible for operating advanced military aircraft during combat, training, and reconnaissance missions. Their duties include flying at high speeds, performing complex maneuvers, and using onboard weapons systems to engage enemy targets or support ground troops. In addition to flying, they must regularly train, maintain physical fitness, and stay up-to-date on the latest tactics and technologies. Fighter jet pilots often work as part of a team and must make quick decisions under pressure to ensure mission success and safety.
What are some unique challenges Fighter Jet Pilots face during training and active duty?
Fighter Jet Pilots encounter several unique challenges, including mastering complex aircraft systems, maintaining peak physical and mental fitness, and operating under high-pressure, rapidly changing conditions. Training is intensive and ongoing, requiring pilots to quickly process large amounts of information and make split-second decisions. Additionally, pilots must work closely with ground crews and other pilots, emphasizing strong communication and teamwork skills. Adapting to frequent deployments and irregular schedules is also a common aspect of the role.
What is the difference between Fighter Jet Pilot vs Commercial Airline Pilot?
| Aspect | Fighter Jet Pilot | Commercial Airline Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Required Certifications | Military flight training, pilot license, specialized combat training | Commercial pilot license, airline transport pilot certificate |
| Work Environment | Military aircraft, combat zones, military bases | Passenger aircraft, airports, commercial flights |
| Employer & Industry | Military, defense industry | Commercial airlines, transportation industry |
Fighter Jet Pilots and Commercial Airline Pilots both require extensive flight training and licenses. However, Fighter Jet Pilots operate military aircraft in combat and tactical scenarios, while Commercial Airline Pilots focus on passenger safety and airline operations. Their work environments and employer types differ significantly, reflecting their distinct roles in aviation.
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 exceptional spatial awareness, physical fitness, quick decision-making, and a relevant military aviation degree along with completion of specialized flight training and certification. Pilots must master advanced avionics, flight simulators, navigation systems, and weapon control technologies used in modern fighter jets. Strong communication, stress management, and teamwork are critical soft skills for operating effectively in high-pressure, high-stakes scenarios. These competencies ensure mission success, personal and team safety, and effective coordination during complex aerial operations.
More about Fighter Jet Pilot jobs
What job categories do people searching Fighter Jet Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fighter Jet Pilot jobs are:
United States Navy rating
6.3
Based on 370 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
39th of 46 rated military and defense
Job description
ABOUT
The U.S. Navy operates more than 3,700 aircraft, making it the second largest air force in the world — second only to the U.S. Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky.
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY
FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel, drop ordnance and conduct defensive missions—all in the F/A-18 Hornet and the cutting-edge F-35C Lightning II.
AIRCRAFT HANDLING OFFICER - Every performance needs a choreographer and on the deck of an aircraft carrier, that person is you. You’re in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence to aircraft recovery.
FIXED WING PILOT - In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you’re on patrol as the command control center in the sky. If you’re flying the P-3 Orion or the brand-new P-8 Poseidon, you hunt submarines using cutting- edge software, radar, sonar, and acoustics.
HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy submarines in defense of your ship.
NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you’re the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you’re hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye through enemy territory or dropping bombs from the backseat of an F-18 fighter jet.
AVIATION MAINTENANCE DUTY OFFICER - You’re in charge of managing the repair and upkeep of our most lethal aviation assets—over eighty different types of aircraft. In addition to that, you manage hundreds of personnel, making this a job that requires a level of organization and focus that few can say they’ve mastered.
PAY AND BENEFITS
From the day you start, you’ll receive:
- Competitive salary
- Free health insurance
- Free housing
- A retirement plan
- 30 days paid vacation per year
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Beyond professional credentials and certifications, the Navy can help ease your financial burdens and advance your career with generous financial assistance and continuing education programs, including:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Navy Tuition Assistance Program
- Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
- Navy College Program
- VOLED Assistance Center
- VOLED Region Advisors
- Navy War College (NWC)
- USAF Air University Air Command and Staff College
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree
- Students may apply in last 12 months of pursuing degree
- U.S. citizen or equivalent
- 17 years of age or older
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
In the field of aviation, you’ll make the world your home. You may be assigned to sea or shore squadrons on almost any continent. You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of environments—airborne aircraft, hangars, flight decks, flight lines at air stations and on aircraft carriers.
PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES
Some of the above aviation jobs in the Navy Reserve are open only to prior or current military aviators.
What United States Navy employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About US Navy
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Washington, DC, US