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First Class Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Boise, ID

Must have a First Class Medical * Must be willing to fly assigned schedule based on pilot bidding seniority; including days, nights, weekends, and holidays * To apply, please complete the on-line ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Tucson, AZ

Must have a First Class Medical * Must be willing to fly assigned schedule based on pilot bidding seniority; including days, nights, weekends, and holidays * To apply, please complete the on-line ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Houston, TX

Must have a First Class Medical * Must be willing to fly assigned schedule based on pilot bidding seniority; including days, nights, weekends, and holidays * To apply, please complete the on-line ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Tacoma, WA

Must have a First Class Medical * Must be willing to fly assigned schedule based on pilot bidding seniority; including days, nights, weekends, and holidays * To apply, please complete the on-line ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Detroit, MI

Must have a First Class Medical * Must be willing to fly assigned schedule based on pilot bidding seniority; including days, nights, weekends, and holidays * To apply, please complete the on-line ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Fort Worth, TX

Must have a First Class Medical * Must be willing to fly assigned schedule based on pilot bidding seniority; including days, nights, weekends, and holidays * To apply, please complete the on-line ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Denver, CO

Must have a First Class Medical * Must be willing to fly assigned schedule based on pilot bidding seniority; including days, nights, weekends, and holidays * To apply, please complete the on-line ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Portland, OR

Must have a First Class Medical * Must be willing to fly assigned schedule based on pilot bidding seniority; including days, nights, weekends, and holidays * To apply, please complete the on-line ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Atlanta, GA

Must have a First Class Medical * Must be willing to fly assigned schedule based on pilot bidding seniority; including days, nights, weekends, and holidays * To apply, please complete the on-line ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

San Diego, CA

Must have a First Class Medical * Must be willing to fly assigned schedule based on pilot bidding seniority; including days, nights, weekends, and holidays * To apply, please complete the on-line ...

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First Class Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do first class pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for first class 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 is a first class pilot?

A First Class Pilot is a maritime professional licensed to navigate vessels in specific waters, such as harbors, rivers, or coastal areas. They possess extensive knowledge of local waterways, tides, and regulations to ensure safe and efficient vessel movement. First Class Pilots typically work with large commercial ships, guiding them through challenging or congested areas. Their expertise helps prevent accidents and ensures compliance with maritime laws.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first class pilot?

To thrive as a First Class Pilot, you need comprehensive maritime knowledge, advanced navigational skills, and a valid First Class Pilot license, usually requiring extensive sea time and successful completion of certification exams. Familiarity with electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS), radar, radio communication equipment, and local marine regulations is essential. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and effective communication with crew and port authorities are critical soft skills in this position. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe vessel passage, efficient port operations, and compliance with legal requirements.

What types of vessels and waterways does a first class pilot typically work with?

First Class Pilots are licensed to guide large commercial vessels, such as container ships, tankers, and cruise liners, through challenging and often congested waterways like harbors, rivers, and coastal regions. They are responsible for ensuring safe passage by navigating hazardous areas, coordinating with tug boats and port authorities, and providing expert local knowledge of currents, tides, and berthing procedures. This role often involves working in a rotational shift system and being on call to respond to vessel arrivals at any hour. As a First Class Pilot, you'll collaborate closely with ship captains, deck officers, and terminal staff to ensure efficient and safe docking and undocking operations.

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First Class Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Class Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Licensed Deck Officer

Middleburg Heights, OH • On-site

Interlake Steamship Company
Water Transportation • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Interlake Steamship Companyexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

 

Our Deck Officers, referred to as Mates, are responsible for the safe navigation of our vessels and cargo operations. Engine Department Officers, referred to as Engineers, are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of our vessels' machinery and propulsion plants. 

Many of our officers were previously employed as unlicensed seamen on our vessels. Unlicensed seamen must first meet minimum sea time requirements and take US Coast Guard license exams in order to obtain a license as a Mate/First Class Pilot or Third Assistant Engineer.

All of our officers are members of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.), the nation’s oldest maritime labor union, established in 1875. 

All Interlake officers receive room and board while employed aboard one of our vessels. We also provide paid vacation, pension, medical, and education benefits through M.E.B.A.
 

Deck Officers (Mates)

All Great Lakes deck officers must meet the following requirements: 

  • Valid US Coast Guard license as Mate (Great Lakes)
  • Endorsement as First Class Pilot Of Any Gross Tons Upon The Great Lakes Between Duluth, Gary And Buffalo
  • Valid Unlimited Radar Observer endorsement
  • Valid FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit - See FCC Application Form 605
  • Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Card
  • Current physical examination
  • Current Department of Transportation Drug Screen
  • Legally eligible to be employed in the United States (Proof of identity and eligibility will be required upon employment) 
  • Requirements for First Class Pilots can be found in the US Code of Federal Regulations or by contacting the US Coast Guard Regional Examination Center in Toledo, Ohio. 

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