1

Fighter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Must have a minimum of 1,000 hours experience in fourth and/or fifth generation fighter aircraft as a pilot (F-22, F-18, F-16, F-15, A-10) * Must have experience as a Military Instructor Pilot (IP ...

Fighter Pilot- Pt. Mugu - ATAC

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$81K - $101K/yr

Fighter Pilot- Pt. Mugu - ATAC Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that ...

Job Responsibilities Employ the ATAC fighter aircraft throughout their flight envelope as a surrogate Adversary, Red Air, Aggressor or Close Air Support pilot for Marine Corps large force employment ...

Employ the ATAC fighter aircraft throughout their flight envelope as a surrogate Adversary, Red Air, Aggressor or Close Air Support pilot for Marine Corps large force employment exercise, or ...

Fighter Pilot- Pt. Mugu - ATAC

Oxnard, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $116K/yr

Fighter Pilot- Pt. Mugu - ATAC Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators, and doers worldwide. We make things that ...

Employ the ATAC fighter aircraft throughout their flight envelope as a surrogate Adversary, Red Air, Aggressor or Close Air Support pilot for Marine Corps largeโ€‘force employment exercise, or ...

Employ the ATAC fighter aircraft throughout their flight envelope as a surrogate Adversary, Red Air, Aggressor or Close Air Support pilot for Marine Corps large force employment exercise, or ...

Fighter Pilot- Pt. Mugu - ATAC

Mcbh Kaneohe Bay, HI ยท On-site

$89K - $111K/yr

Fighter Pilot- Pt. Mugu - ATAC Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that ...

A flight operations company is seeking an experienced fighter pilot to fly the Dassault Mirage F-1 and support the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force training missions. The ideal candidate will ...

Fly in support of 4th and 5th Generation Fighter operational and conversion syllabus and ... Act as, or support the individual responsible for, pilot Scheduling, Training, NATOPS/Standards ...

Candidate must have a minimum of 8 years as a fighter pilot in a fourth or fifth generation fighter aircraft * International pilot experience desired * F-16 Weapons School graduate desired BGI is an ...

Fly in support of 4th and 5th Generation Fighter operational and conversion syllabus and ... Act as, or support the individual responsible for, pilot Scheduling, Training, NATOPS/Standards ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Fighter Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do fighter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for fighter 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.

Is there a demand for fighter pilots?

Fighter pilots are in demand within military and defense sectors, especially as air forces modernize and expand their fleets. Recruitment depends on government defense budgets, strategic needs, and pilot training programs, which often require specialized certifications and ongoing skill development.

What is the $600000 bonus for the Air Force?

Fighter pilots in the Air Force may receive bonuses that can reach up to $600,000 as part of enlistment or retention incentives, especially for those with critical skills or in high-demand roles. These bonuses are typically paid over several years and are designed to encourage pilots to serve longer or fill specific operational needs.

What are the typical career progression and advancement opportunities for fighter pilots?

Fighter pilots typically start as junior pilots and, with experience, can advance to leadership roles such as Flight Lead, Squadron Commander, or Instructor. Career progression often depends on demonstrated leadership, flight hours, mission performance, and ongoing training achievements. Many fighter pilots also take on additional duties, such as mission planning or training new pilots, which can further develop their career. In the long term, successful fighter pilots may transition into higher command positions, strategic planning roles, or specialized test pilot assignments within the military.

What happens if a female pilot gets pregnant?

Female fighter pilots are typically required to undergo medical evaluations and may be temporarily grounded during pregnancy to ensure safety. Military policies often include specific protocols for pregnant personnel, and pilots usually need to meet fitness standards before returning to flying duties after childbirth.

What is a Fighter Pilot job?

A fighter pilot is a military aviator trained to operate advanced aircraft in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions. They are responsible for defending national airspace, engaging enemy threats, and supporting ground forces. Fighter pilots undergo rigorous training in flight maneuvers, weapons systems, and tactical operations. They must maintain peak physical and mental fitness to handle high-speed aerial combat and stressful situations. This role requires leadership, quick decision-making, and a commitment to mission success.

What pilots make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced fighter pilots, especially those in senior leadership roles or with extensive combat and specialized skills, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, including bonuses and allowances. Such compensation often reflects military rank, years of service, and additional incentives for combat or specialized missions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Fighter Pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fighter Pilot, you need exceptional situational awareness, advanced aeronautical knowledge, physical fitness, and usually a bachelor's degree along with military officer training. Familiarity with advanced flight simulators, avionics systems, weapon platforms, and a valid military flight certification are essential. Strong decision-making, resilience under pressure, and teamwork help pilots excel in high-stress, rapidly changing conditions. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining mission effectiveness, personal safety, and successful team operations in demanding environments.

More about Fighter Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Fighter Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Fighter Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fighter Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Fighter Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Fighter Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Fighter Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fighter Pilot 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 $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
FIGHTER PILOT

FIGHTER PILOT

DRG

Oklahoma City, OK โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Description:

Contract Instructor Pilots (CIPs) report to the Lead Instructor. They will be fully qualified to meet the applicable requirements and will instruct academics and in aircrew training devices. CIPs will be the focal point for technical content of applicable courseware for courseware development and revisions. Their in-depth knowledge of Joint Technical Data (JTD), service publications, and aircraft systems will allow them to provide accurate and consistent lesson content across a broad spectrum of training materials. Their understanding of syllabus flow and lesson content will help streamline training delivered to formal course students.


Key Responsibilities:

โ€ข Conduct quality academic instruction that covers applicable formal course syllabi and instruction guide requirements
โ€ข Conduct quality aircrew training device instruction, accomplish applicable syllabus, and mission guide requirements, and adhere to published Training and Readiness standards
โ€ข Maintain weapons system expertise
โ€ข Prepare classrooms or briefing rooms for instruction before the scheduled lesson or aircrew training device mission
โ€ข Clean-up classrooms or briefing rooms, returning them to the pre-class or pre-mission condition
โ€ข Evaluate and record student academic training, aircrew training device performance, and verbally debrief all errors committed
โ€ข Conduct remedial student academic or aircrew training device instruction when required
โ€ข Coordinate recommended corrective action and remedial training with the Lead Instructor and active-duty supervisors
โ€ข Conduct student academic evaluations IAW applicable syllabi and correct to 100% by reviewing incorrect responses with students
โ€ข Monitor courseware currency in applicable academic and trainer areas of responsibility and submit recommended revisions to the Lead Instructor
โ€ข Support lesson plan and mission guide revision efforts
โ€ข Support aircrew training device scenario design and programming efforts when directed by the Lead Instructor
โ€ข Review test analysis and critique summaries to identify instruction and testing that requires revision and make recommended revisions
โ€ข Coordinate lesson revision inputs with the Lead Instructor, other CIPs, and Courseware subcontractors, if required
โ€ข Review monthly/quarterly flying literature, safety reports and Service publications for updated information to be incorporated into training materials
โ€ข Participate in Human Factors Board (HFB), Aircraft Mishap Board (AMB), and Field Flight Performance Board (FFPB) proceedings as directed by the Training Operations Manager
โ€ข Perform related additional duties as assigned by the Site Director or Training Operations Manager
โ€ข Meet suspense dates for applicable new lessons and lesson revisions
โ€ข Be available for student assistance, questions, and aircrew training device missions when not scheduled for formal academic instruction, aircrew training device instruction, or courseware development and revisions
โ€ข Provide all levels of instructor operating station missions including, but not limited to, Forward Air Controller, Airborne Intercept Controller, Air Traffic Control, and threat simulation

Requirements:

Required Qualifications/Experience:

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree from an accredited college in a related discipline, or equivalent experience/combined education, with 12 years or more of professional experience; or 10 years of professional experience with a related masterโ€™s degrees
  • Must have a minimum of 1,000 hours experience in fourth and/or fifth generation fighter aircraft as a pilot (F-22, F-18, F-16, F-15, A-10)
  • Must have experience as a Military Instructor Pilot (IP) and multi-ship flight lead in tactical fighter aircraft
  • Must be willing to support flexible work hours to align with customer operational schedule
  • Position may require candidate to participate in deployed operations to support customer requirements
  • Strong, proven verbal communication skills
  • Proven successful experience with instructional products and services, evaluating pilot training and leading pilot students
  • Basic MS Office suite skills

Preferred Qualifications/Experience:

  • Experience with F-35 program highly desired
  • Experience with F-35 pilot training curriculum
  • F-35 system knowledge
  • F-35 Full Mission Simulator experience
  • Familiarity with the F-35 ALIS program
  • Prior experience in delivering Military Pilot Academic and Simulator Training in fourth and/or fifth generation tactical fighter aircraft
  • Experience with advanced sensor systems such as NVS, LANTIRN, Helmet Mounted Cuing, and the latest weapons inventory
  • Graduate of formal military Academic Instructor Course (AIC)
  • Formal Training Unit (FTU) or Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Instructor Pilot experience
  • U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) Graduate
  • Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Graduate
  • Fighter Weapons Instructor Course (FWIC)
  • Standardization/Evaluation Flight Examiner (SEFE); NATOPS Evaluator experience

Security Clearance Requirements:
This position is located at a facility that will require special access clearance

  • Must have an active secret clearance with a completed investigation within the last 6 years.
  • Must be able to attain and maintain F-35 Special Access Program (SAP) access
  • Candidates must have a final/transferable DoD Secret security clearance
  • Must be a US citizen

Delaware Resource Group of Oklahoma, LLC (โ€œDRGโ€) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. DRG provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veteransโ€™ Readjustment Assistance Act.