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First Pilot Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Jerseyville, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... first 36 months of employment subject to meeting all eligibility criteria for the bonus * 7/7 or 14/14 schedule, depending on location * Off duty and away from base pilot housing provided at each ...

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Jerseyville, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

... first 36 months of employment subject to meeting all eligibility criteria for the bonus * 7/7 or 14/14 schedule, depending on location * Off duty and away from base pilot housing provided at each ...

Ergon, Inc

Fuel Boat Pilot

East Alton, IL · On-site

Fuel Boat Pilot Responsibilities include the following:Ensure that company policy, rules and ... Ensure adequate quantity of first aid supplies onboard the vessel.Ensure crewmembers are properly ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Harrisburg, IL · On-site +1

$88K - $97K/yr

We are caregivers, first and foremost, and we will be there when you need us. This posting is for ... This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $88,759 - $97,635 Up to 55% geographic ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Watson, IL · On-site +1

$88K - $97K/yr

We are caregivers, first and foremost, and we will be there when you need us. This posting is for ... This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $88,759 - $97,635 Up to 55% geographic ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Watson, IL · On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

We are caregivers, first and foremost, and we will be there when you need us. This posting is for ... This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $88,759 - $97,635 Up to 35% geographic ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Quincy, IL · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

We are caregivers, first and foremost, and we will be there when you need us. This posting is for ... This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $87,019 - $95,720 Up to 30% geographic ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Watson, IL · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

We are caregivers, first and foremost, and we will be there when you need us. This posting is for ... This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $87,019 - $95,720 Up to 30% geographic ...

PROENERGY

Corporate Pilot- G280

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

You will operate in a collaborative crew environment, alternating between Captain and First Officer duties as assigned. Reports to : Chief Pilot Work Location: 2001 Proenergy Blvd, Sedalia, MO 65301 ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Helicopter Pilot Med-Trans EG

Watson, IL · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

We are caregivers, first and foremost, and we will be there when you need us. This posting is for ... This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $87,019 - $95,720 Up to 30% geographic ...

NetJets & EJM

Pilot in Command Falcon 7X

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$160K - $275K/yr

Certifications and Licenses First Class Medical Certificate FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Years of Experience 4-6 years of experience Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other (KSAOs) * Prior ...

Air Methods

Helicopter Pilot

Springfield, IL · On-site

$82.90 - $93.25/hr

Overview Helicopter Pilot - Springfield, IL Saints Flight EC130 / VFR $25,000 Location Stipend $15 ... First OR Second Class FAA Medical certificate required. This position is subject to drug and/or ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFirst Pilot JobsFirst Pilot Jobs in Illinois

First Pilot information

See Illinois salary details

$48K

$126.9K

$194.8K

How much do first pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for first pilot in Illinois is $126,861.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,900.00 and $150,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first pilot?

First Pilots, also known as captains, are the lead pilots responsible for commanding an aircraft during flights. They oversee all aspects of flight operations, including navigation, communication with air traffic control, and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. First Pilots have the highest authority on the aircraft and make critical decisions, especially in emergency situations. They are required to have extensive flying experience, advanced training, and must hold an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Their leadership and expertise are essential for the safe and efficient operation of commercial and cargo flights.

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

To thrive as a First Pilot, you need an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), strong aeronautical knowledge, and extensive flight experience. Familiarity with advanced avionics, flight management systems, and regulatory compliance tools is essential. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and communication skills set top pilots apart in the cockpit. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring passenger safety, efficient flight operations, and effective teamwork in high-pressure environments.

What are some common challenges first pilots face during long-haul flights, and how are these managed on the job?

First Pilots on long-haul flights often face challenges such as fatigue management, maintaining situational awareness over extended periods, and adapting to rapidly changing weather or air traffic conditions. These are managed through regulated rest periods, effective crew resource management, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Collaboration with co-pilots, cabin crew, and air traffic controllers is essential to ensure safe and efficient operations throughout the flight. Continuous training and simulation exercises also help First Pilots stay prepared for unexpected situations.

What is the difference between First Pilot vs Co-Pilot?

AspectFirst PilotCo-Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificateCommercial Pilot License (CPL), often with additional type ratings
Work EnvironmentLeads flight operations, makes critical decisions, oversees crewAssists the First Pilot, manages navigation and communication
ResponsibilitiesOverall flight command, safety, and decision-makingSupports the First Pilot, handles specific flight tasks

The First Pilot is the primary authority during flights, responsible for safety and decision-making, while the Co-Pilot assists and supports the First Pilot in operating the aircraft. Both roles require similar certifications, but the First Pilot holds the lead position in flight operations.

What first pilot jobs are best for beginners?

Entry-level pilot jobs suitable for beginners include flight instructor, banner tow pilot, and aerial survey pilot, which often require a private pilot certificate and some flight hours. These roles provide practical experience and help build hours toward commercial pilot certification, with a focus on safety, communication, and aircraft handling skills.

What are popular job titles related to First Pilot jobs in Illinois?

For First Pilot jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Pilot jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for First Pilot jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for First Pilot jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most First Pilot job openings:

First Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Pilot job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,861 per year, or $61 per hour.

Helicopter Pilot

Survival Flight

Jerseyville, IL • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 17 days ago

Survival Flight rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


Survival Flight is accepting resumes for a full-time Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) Pilot position flying a Bell 206 at our base in Jerseyville, Illinois. We are certain that you will find a home amongst our family of aviation professionals, world-class medical providers, and skilled mechanics. Together, you will be part of a team that leverages skill and experience to SAFELY deliver next-level care to those in need with speed and purpose.
By choosing Survival Flight, you can trust that you are selecting an air medical provider that holds itself to the highest safety and quality standards for our crews and our patients. Our accreditations from both the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) and the National Accreditation Alliance of Medical Transport Applications (NAAMTA Global) testify to our commitment to providing the best possible care to our patients. Join our team and be a part of an organization that prioritizes excellence in every aspect of our operations.
Pilot Incentives:
  • Starting base salary ranges between $90,000 to $110,000, depending on experience and qualifications
  • $15,000 sign-on bonus to be paid upon completion of new hire training subject to meeting all eligibility criteria for the sign-on bonus
  • $45,000 retention bonus to be paid out during the first 36 months of employment subject to meeting all eligibility criteria for the bonus
  • 7/7 or 14/14 schedule, depending on location
  • Off duty and away from base pilot housing provided at each base
  • Annual aviation medical exam reimbursement
  • Mileage/per-diem/travel pay for work over shifts
  • $15,000 lump sum pilot referral bonus, subject to program criteria
  • Local Area Stipend- $15,000 (Residence within 60 miles of base)
  • Mileage Stipend- $300 per month (greater than 60 miles of base)
  • Relocation Package (if you currently reside further than 100 miles from your assigned based)
  • $500 Work Over Bonus per shift

Required Experience:
  • 2000 hours total flight time (preferred)
  • 1500 hours helicopter PIC time
  • 500 hours turbine time
  • 100 hours unaided or 50 hours unaided with 100 hours aided
  • 500 cross-country time

Preferred Experience:
  • NVG Experience
  • HAA Experience
  • Bell 206/407 Experience
  • ATP Certificate
  • Bachelor's Degree

Education/Certifications:
  • Commercial Helicopter with Instrument Rating
  • Current class 1 or 2 medical
  • High School Diploma or equivalent

Other:
  • Able to work in the US for any employer without sponsorship

Benefits for all full-time team members:
  • 100% employer paid medical insurance for the team member (several plans available)

Survival Flight is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Survival Flight is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Survival Flight are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental, sexual orientation, past or present military service, genetic information, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the states in which we operate. Survival Flight will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind.

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