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Fixed Wing Pilot Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Portland, OR · On-site

Primary Job Duties To be considered for a pilot position, you must: Be at least 21 years of age ... hours of fixed wing. Domiciles Arizona : Phoenix, Tucson California : Fresno, Los Angeles, Palm ...

Merlin Labs

Staff Engineer, Core Flight Controls

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$88K - $114K/yr

About Merlin: Merlin is a venture backed aerospace startup building a non-human pilot to enable ... You are familiar with fixed wing aircraft and the classical and modern methods used to control them ...

All JobsFixed Wing Pilot JobsFixed Wing Pilot Jobs in Portland, OR

Fixed Wing Pilot information

See Portland, OR salary details

$96K

$129.2K

$154.3K

How much do fixed wing pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for fixed wing pilot in Portland, OR is $129,169.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,200.00 and $143,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fixed wing pilot?

A fixed-wing pilot operates an aircraft that generates lift through a combination of airspeed and the wings’ shape, like a glider or airplane. A helicopter is an example of a rotary wing aircraft. As a commercial fixed-wing pilot, your job duties include operating a plane, using controls to fly and navigate, conducting pre-flight safety checks, monitoring fuel consumption, and transporting cargo or people between destinations. You must also be able to safely navigate through unfavorable weather conditions, respond appropriately to emergency situations, and maintain good physical and mental health.

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

To thrive as a Fixed Wing Pilot, you need strong aeronautical knowledge, excellent hand-eye coordination, and relevant pilot licenses such as a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Proficiency with flight planning software, aircraft navigation systems, and communication radios is typically required, and many employers value type ratings for specific aircraft. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help pilots stand out in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and effective aircraft operation in diverse and often challenging conditions.

What are some typical challenges fixed wing pilots face when flying in different weather conditions?

Fixed Wing Pilots often encounter rapidly changing weather patterns that can affect flight safety and schedule reliability. Challenges include navigating through turbulence, low visibility, and strong crosswinds, all of which require strong situational awareness and decision-making skills. Pilots must stay updated on weather reports, adjust flight plans as needed, and communicate effectively with air traffic control to ensure safe operations. Ongoing training and experience help pilots build confidence in managing these scenarios.

What is the difference between Fixed Wing Pilot vs Helicopter Pilot?

AspectFixed Wing PilotHelicopter Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL) with fixed wing ratingsCommercial Pilot License (CPL) with rotorcraft ratings
Work EnvironmentAirlines, cargo, charter flights, aerial surveysRescue, news, offshore, utility services
Industry UsageCommercial aviation, cargo, passenger transportEmergency services, construction, media

Fixed Wing Pilots and Helicopter Pilots share similar certification requirements but operate in different environments. Fixed Wing Pilots typically fly airplanes for commercial or passenger services, while Helicopter Pilots operate rotorcraft for specialized tasks. Both roles are essential in aviation, with distinct skills suited to their respective aircraft types.

More about Fixed Wing Pilot jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Fixed Wing Pilot jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Fixed Wing Pilot jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Fixed Wing Pilot jobs in Portland, OR?

For Fixed Wing Pilot jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fixed Wing Pilot jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Fixed Wing Pilot jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Fixed Wing Pilot jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Fixed Wing Pilot job openings:

Fixed Wing Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fixed Wing Pilot job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,169 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

First Officer Pilot

SkyWest Airlines

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 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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