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Fighter Jet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operator

Salt Lake City, UT

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

AEC is committed to delivering high-quality, economical composite solutions for the F-35 Fighter Jet, the Sikorsky CH-53K Heavy-Lift Helicopter, and the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM)

Operator

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

AEC is committed to delivering high-quality, economical composite solutions for the F-35 Fighter Jet, the Sikorsky CH-53K Heavy-Lift Helicopter, and the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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:
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.
AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR with Security Clearance

AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR with Security Clearance

Department of Defense

Colorado Springs, CO

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Duties The primary purpose of this position is: as an Air Reserve Technician (ART), to perform pilot and pilot in command duties in assigned aircraft. Position also accomplishes a variety of administrative duties related to flight and mission accomplishment such as scheduling, squadron operations management, combat mission planning, and training. Provides training to reservists in the accomplishment of tasks set forth herein. * Conducts training for the upgrade of unqualified active duty and/or Reserve aircrew members and proficiency training for qualified Active Duty, Reservists and ART personnel. * Analyzes and interprets unit training objectives, developing training program and training other aircrew such that the highest level of combat mission-ready proficiency of assigned crewmembers is maintained. * As required, flies as an aircrew member in unit aircraft in support of the unit mission. * Represents the unit by participating in discussions, meetings or serves on panels or committees. Requirements Conditions of employment * U.S. Citizenship is required * Must be a current member of the AF Reserves or willing/qualified to join * A security clearance may be required * If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/ * Total salary varies depending on location of position * This posn is subject to provision of the DoD Priority Placement Program * Must sign a mobility agreement * Position may be subject to random drug testing * Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays * Shift work and emergency overtime may be required * Employee must maintain current certifications * Disclosure of Political Appointments * Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit * Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume * Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position * Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position * Leave accrual may be authorized upon request * Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period. * Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications THIS IS AN AIR RESERVE TECHNICIAN OFFICER POSITION. This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) Officer position located at 731 AIRLIFT SQ with the military rank of O-5/LT COL, AFSC: 011M3B. For questions concerning military eligibility please contact the Air Force Reserve Qualification Center at 1-800-257-1212. EXPERIENCE: No specific length of experience required. The qualifications of Airplane/Helicopter Pilots or Airplane/Helicopter Flight Instructors in an Air Force active duty and Reserve force are directly related to the completion of prerequisite training and number of flying hours rather than years of experience. GS-13: Must have logged 2,000 or more total pilot time (i.e., accumulation of primary, secondary, instructor, evaluator, simulator and student time), or 1,300 hours Primary Flight Time (i.e. primary, secondary, instructor, and evaluator time) or Instructor Pilot time. Must be instructor qualified in unit aircraft. (Note: 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 flying time when determining total hours of pilot time or primary and/or instructor pilot time. Training aircraft (T-37/T-38) should be considered when giving double credit but only for those hours in which candidates logged either instructor/evaluator pilot or primary pilot time. Flying hours logged as a student pilot will be credited one-for-one when calculating total time.) KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Knowledge of and skill in the application of rated aviator expertise as a pilot. 2. Knowledge of and ability to formulate plans and courses pertaining to flying operations and unit flying training activities. 3. Knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, and techniques for employment of unit-assigned aircraft. 4. Knowledge of flying operations and the unit mission. 5. Knowledge of the relationship of the various Air Force Reserve entities, other MAJCOMs and Air Force in overall planning and execution of military operations and evaluations. 6. Ability to resolve complex issues and maintain good working relations. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Other significant facts pertaining to this position are: 1. This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) officer position. The employee is required to meet and maintain Air Force Reserve requirements. The work schedule will be aligned to allow the employee to fully participate in unit training assemblies. The employee's regular assignments are primarily ART duties; however, the employee may also be assigned non-ART duties, generally not to exceed 30 percent of total responsibilities. 2. This is an AFRC key management position, in which the employee is required to formulate, determine, and/or influence policies. Must be highly knowledgeable of the AFRC mission and responsibilities. As a designated key position, the term "key" as it is used here relates to the ART program that defines the position as critical to mobilization capability (i.e., formulates, determines or influences policies of the unit to which assigned), and has no relationship to the term "key" as defined in AFI 36-507. Must be highly knowledgeable in the capabilities, limitations, and techniques used for employing aircraft. Must display professionalism, expertise, courtesy, and decorum during contact and duty performance. 3. This position is designated as a mobility position. Employees must be willing to move/transfer to another unit/location on a lateral or promotion basis as directed by HQ AFRC. AFRC command-wide geographic mobility is a condition of employment for all ART Officer positions. The employee must sign a mobility agreement. 4. The employee must possess demonstrated leadership and managerial abilities, which is essential to successful accomplishment of responsibilities inherent in this position. 5. The incumbent must obtain and retain the appropriate security clearance level designated for the position. 6. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The employee is subject to random drug testing. The employee is subject to pre-employment drug testing and participation in random drug testing as a condition of employment. Drug Test requirement was modified with AFI 90-508, Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program, 28 August 2014; Certified Current 18 December 2015 which supersedes AFI 44-107, 7 April 2010. Positions covered by this SPD must be reviewed for proper "Testing Designated Position (TDP)" coding to comply with the AF Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program (AFI 90-508). Drug testing is a condition of employment.
7. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position. 8. Aircrew and management duties include stress (both mental and physical), exposures to extreme hot and cold temperatures, gravity forces three in non-fighters and seven in fighters, and short notification for accomplishment of immediate action items directed by unit supervisors/higher headquarters that must be completed before the duty day ends. 9. Periodically, as prescribed by regulations, must take and pass standardization/evaluation flight examinations which consist of both written tests and actual flight performance to demonstrate flight knowledge and abilities required by the position. 10. The incumbent of the position must become instructor qualified within two years from the date of appointment to the position. This is a condition of employment. 11. The incumbent may be required to fly in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments (TDY) away from the normal duty station. 12. The incumbent may be required to work overtime to meet workload demands. 13. Performs other duties as assigned. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: RETIRED MILITARY ARE USUALLY INELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE AIR FORCE RESERVE. RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL WHO HAVE ACTIVE AIR FORCE RESERVE ASSIGNMENTS MAY APPLY PROVIDED THEY SHOW ASSIGNMENT (POSITION AND UNIT) ON THEIR APPLICATION. Additional information Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click . To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employe