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First Class Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

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 · On-site

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 Francisco, CA · On-site

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

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

Chicago, IL

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 · On-site

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 · On-site

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 · On-site

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

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

Be at least 21 years of age Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate Hold a current FAA First Class ...

Talon Air, Inc.

Pilot

East Farmingdale, NY · Remote

FAA First Class Medical * Valid Passport * Ability to obtain and maintain CANPASS authorization for unrestricted commercial pilot travel to/from Canada * ICAO Annex I - 2.1.10 compliant for ...

Talon Air

Pilot

Farmingdale, NY · Remote

FAA First Class Medical * Valid Passport * Ability to obtain and maintain CANPASS authorization for unrestricted commercial pilot travel to/from Canada * ICAO Annex I - 2.1.10 compliant for ...

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do first class pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the First Class Pilot position, and why are they important?

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 is a First Class Pilot job?

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 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.

More about First Class Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for First Class Pilot jobs? Cities with the most First Class Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of First Class Pilot jobs? The most popular types of First Class Pilot jobs are:
What job categories do people searching First Class Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for First Class Pilot jobs are:
First Class Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Class Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
First Officer Pilot

First Officer Pilot

SkyWest Airlines

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

SkyWest Airlines rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 26 rated airlines

Job description


Primary Job Duties

To be considered for a pilot position, you must: 

Be at least 21 years of age 
Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings
English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate
Hold a current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
Be a U.S. citizen or able to show proof of right to work in the U.S. 
Hold FCC Radiotelephone Operator's Permit.
Have a current Passport --or other travel documents enabling the bearer to freely exit and re-enter the U.S. (multiple reentry status) and be legally eligible to work in the U.S. (possess proper working documents).
Must be available to work on any day, seven days a week, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Be within three months of the minimum hour requirements detailed below

ATP Written Requirement: 

SkyWest will provide the means to complete a SkyWest-approved CTP course for those who complete an application and successfully pass the pilot interview. 
 

Pilot applicants must meet the experience requirements of FAR 61.159 prior to employment.  

SkyWest Minimum Requirements When Counting Helicopter or Glider Time
SkyWest Airlines recognizes the skills common to helicopter and glider flying. SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a minimum of 250 PIC hours of fixed wing.

Domiciles

Arizona:  Phoenix, Tucson

California:  Fresno, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego, San Francisco

Colorado: Colorado Springs, Denver
Georgia: Atlanta

Idaho: Boise

Illinois: Chicago

Minnesota: Minneapolis/St. Paul

Michigan: Detroit

Oregon: Portland

Texas: Austin, Dallas, Houston

Utah: Salt Lake City

Washington: Seattle

Wisconsin: Milwaukee


Minimum Requirements
  • Assist the Pilot- in- Command (PIC) in conducting the flight safely and efficiently
  • Assist the PIC and/or passenger service personnel as needed to ensure a prompt departure
  • Assist or relieve the PIC in manipulation of the flight controls of an aircraft while underway, including taxiing, takeoff and landing of such aircraft

Physical and Other Requirements
  • 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 application (qualified applicants will be contacted)
Qualifications:

To be considered for a pilot position, you must: 

Be at least 21 years of age 
Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings
English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate
Hold a current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
Be a U.S. citizen or able to show proof of right to work in the U.S. 
Hold FCC Radiotelephone Operator's Permit.
Have a current Passport --or other travel documents enabling the bearer to freely exit and re-enter the U.S. (multiple reentry status) and be legally eligible to work in the U.S. (possess proper working documents).
Must be available to work on any day, seven days a week, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Be within three months of the minimum hour requirements detailed below

ATP Written Requirement: 

SkyWest will provide the means to complete a SkyWest-approved CTP course for those who complete an application and successfully pass the pilot interview. 
 

Pilot applicants must meet the experience requirements of FAR 61.159 prior to employment.  

SkyWest Minimum Requirements When Counting Helicopter or Glider Time
SkyWest Airlines recognizes the skills common to helicopter and glider flying. SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a minimum of 250 PIC hours of fixed wing.

Domiciles

Arizona:  Phoenix, Tucson

California:  Fresno, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego, San Francisco

Colorado: Colorado Springs, Denver
Georgia: Atlanta

Idaho: Boise

Illinois: Chicago

Minnesota: Minneapolis/St. Paul

Michigan: Detroit

Oregon: Portland

Texas: Austin, Dallas, Houston

Utah: Salt Lake City

Washington: Seattle

Wisconsin: Milwaukee

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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