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Fighter Jet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

AIRPLANE PILOT

IL ยท On-site +1

$131K - $171K/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 ...

Mechanical Engineer

Alameda, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $250K/yr

... every fighter jet, EV, wind turbine, and phone. For decades, the West has depended on China to produce these materials. Solcoa is rebuilding that supply chain at home: we're one of the very few ...

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 ...

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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 Jul 16, 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.

What jobs work on fighter jets?

Jobs that work on fighter jets include aerospace engineers, aircraft maintenance technicians, avionics technicians, and pilots. These roles involve designing, repairing, maintaining, and operating fighter jets, often requiring specialized training, certifications, and working in military or defense environments.

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 pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Fighter pilots in the military or commercial airline captains with extensive experience and seniority can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. High-level executives in aerospace or defense companies may also reach this income level, often through bonuses and stock options. These roles typically require specialized training, certifications, and significant experience in the field.

Is 25 too old to become a fighter pilot?

Fighter pilots typically need to meet age requirements that often cap entry around age 30, depending on the country's military regulations. At 25, it is generally still possible to pursue a career as a fighter pilot if you meet other qualifications such as vision, physical fitness, and education, and can complete the necessary training and certifications.

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 fighter jet pilots, such as test pilots or contractors, can earn significantly higher salaries, often exceeding $200,000 per year, based on expertise and the complexity of missions.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. 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 PILOT

AIRPLANE PILOT

USAJOBS

Scott Air Force Base, IL โ€ข On-site

$131K/yr

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
Air Reserve Technicians are full-time civilian employees who are also members of the Air Force Reserve unit in which they are employed. In addition to their civilian assignments, they are assigned to equivalent positions in the Reserve organization with a Reserve military rank or grade. Appointee's civilian assignments will consist of the following duties.Qualifications:THIS IS AN AIR RESERVE TECHNICIAN OFFICER POSITION.
This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) Officer position located at 932 OPERATIONS GP with the military rank of Lt Col/O-5, AFSC: 011M3Z. 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 1,000 or more total pilot time (i.e., accumulation of primary, secondary, instructor, evaluator, simulator and student 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.)
Candidates destablishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
NOTE: You must submit an AFTAR 209 or any official flying hour report and any official document that shows date received aviation service aeronautical order. Please upload your documents in the supporting documents section under Other. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGBILE RATING.
Federal Time-In-Grade (TIG) Requirement for General Schedule (GS) Positions: Applicants must have served at least 52 weeks at the next lower grade level or higher grade (or equivalent in an alternate system) within the Federal Civil Service to be considered for referral. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.
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, as it applies to assigned programs. Knowledge of and ability to formulate/implement plans and policies pertaining to flying operations and unit flying training activities.
2. Knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, and techniques for employment of unit-assigned aircraft.
3. 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.
4. Ability to resolve complex issues and maintain good working relations. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
5. Ability to manage a small staff and carry out all phases of personnel management responsibilities. (Only applicable if the position will supervise less than five employees/positions, supervisory level code 4; not applicable if the position is nonsupervisory, supervisory level code 5.
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 regular assignments are primarily ART duties; however, the employee may also be assigned non-ART duties, generally not to exceed 30percent 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 hererelates to the ART program that defines the position as critical to mobilization capability (i.e., formulates, determines or influencespolicies of the unit to which assigned), and has no relationship to the term "key" as defined in AFI 36-507. Must be highlyknowledgeable 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 incumbent must possess demonstrated leadership and managerial abilities essential to successful accomplishment of responsibilities inherent in this position.
5. 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. Employee must participate in regular, frequent flights, as directed by the supervisor, over and above the flights required by the position.
6. Must be highly knowledgeable in the capabilities, limitations, and techniques for employment of unit-assigned aircraft.
7. The employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance.
8. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The employee i 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 modifiedwith AFI 90-508, Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program, 28 August 2014; Certified Current 18 December 2015 whichsupersedes 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.
9. 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.
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 employee may be required to fly in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments (TOY) away from the normal duty station.
12. The employee may be required to work overtime to meet workload demands.
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.Employment Type: OTHER