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Flight Doctor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Air Force

Flight Surgeon

Chicago, IL

QUALIFIFCATIONS: - Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an ... flight operations. - Commitment to upholding Air Force values, mission readiness, and healthcare ...

Decypher

Flight Surgeon - Physician

Columbus, MS

Education: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) * Must be a graduate of an ... S. military Flight Surgeon experience. * Experience: * At least 160 hours of direct patient care in ...

Decypher

Flight Surgeon - Physician

Columbus, MS

Education: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) * Must be a graduate of an ... S. military Flight Surgeon experience. * Experience: * At least 160 hours of direct patient care in ...

Decypher

Flight Surgeon - Physician

Columbus, MS · On-site

Education: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) * Must be a graduate of an ... S. military Flight Surgeon experience. * Experience: * At least 160 hours of direct patient care in ...

Decypher

Flight Surgeon - Physician

Columbus, MS

Education: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) * Must be a graduate of an ... S. military Flight Surgeon experience. * Experience: * At least 160 hours of direct patient care in ...

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Flight Doctor information

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$14

$28

$47

How much do flight doctor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight doctor in the United States is $28.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Flight Doctors?

Flight Doctors, also known as aeromedical physicians, are medical professionals specially trained to provide emergency medical care to patients during air transport, such as on helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft. Their primary responsibility is to stabilize and monitor patients who require urgent medical attention while being transported between facilities or from the scene of an accident. Flight Doctors work closely with flight nurses and paramedics, and they must be skilled in advanced life support and aeromedicine to handle the unique challenges of providing care at altitude and in confined spaces.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

A flight doctor, also known as an aerospace or aviation medicine specialist, can earn around $2,000 per day, especially when working in private aviation, emergency response, or specialized medical transport. These roles often require advanced medical certifications, experience, and sometimes flying or travel commitments, with compensation reflecting the high level of expertise and responsibility involved.

How do you become a flight doctor?

To become a flight doctor, you must first complete medical school and obtain a medical license. Then, gain experience as a physician, often in emergency medicine or critical care, and acquire additional training or certification in aerospace medicine. Finally, apply for positions with air ambulance services or military aviation units, which may require specialized flight training and certifications.

What are the main challenges flight doctors face during aeromedical evacuations, and how can they prepare for them?

Flight doctors often encounter challenges such as limited medical equipment, restricted space, and changing patient conditions due to altitude and motion during aeromedical evacuations. To prepare, they undergo specialized training in aviation medicine, emergency care, and teamwork under pressure. Adapting quickly, maintaining clear communication with flight crews, and anticipating complications are key to ensuring patient safety. Regular simulation exercises and staying updated on protocols can help flight doctors manage these unique situations effectively.

What is the difference between Flight Doctor vs Flight Nurse?

AspectFlight DoctorFlight Nurse
Required CredentialsMedical degree, medical license, often additional flight or emergency trainingNursing degree, registered nurse license, specialized emergency or flight training
Work EnvironmentAircraft, emergency scenes, hospitalsAircraft, emergency scenes, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageAir ambulance services, hospitals, emergency response teamsAir ambulance services, hospitals, emergency response teams
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar emergency and flight environmentsOften compared with Flight Doctor as part of air medical teams

Flight Doctors and Flight Nurses both work in air medical transport, providing critical care during flights. The main difference lies in their credentials: Flight Doctors are licensed physicians with advanced medical training, while Flight Nurses are registered nurses with specialized emergency training. Both roles operate in similar environments and are employed by air ambulance services, but their scope of practice and responsibilities differ based on their medical qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Doctor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Doctor, you need a medical degree, board certification in emergency or critical care medicine, and experience in pre-hospital or transport settings. Familiarity with advanced life support equipment, aeromedical evacuation protocols, and specialized transport monitoring systems is crucial. Strong decision-making, teamwork, and communication skills help manage complex cases and coordinate with flight crews under pressure. These competencies ensure patient safety and effective medical care in the unique and challenging environment of air transport.

How much do flight surgeons make?

Flight surgeons typically earn between $150,000 and $250,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and military or civilian status. They often require medical degrees, specialized aviation training, and certification, and may work in military, government, or civilian aviation settings.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

A flight doctor typically requires advanced medical training and licensure, making it unlikely to earn $10,000 a month without a degree. However, some high-paying roles in sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship can reach that income level without formal degrees, often relying on skills, experience, and performance. Most jobs with such earnings generally demand specialized knowledge or certifications rather than traditional degrees.
More about Flight Doctor jobs
What states have the most Flight Doctor jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Doctor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Flight Doctor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Doctor jobs are:
Flight Doctor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Doctor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,871 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Flight Surgeon

Flight Surgeon

U.S. Air Force

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Air Force Flight Surgeons play a critical role in ensuring the health, safety, and performance of Air Force personnel engaged in aviation activities. They are responsible for providing medical care, conducting flight physicals, and advising on aeromedical issues to support operational readiness and mission success.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform medical examinations and evaluations to determine aircrew members' fitness for flying duties.
- Provide medical care, treatment, and preventive services to aircrew members, including managing chronic conditions and injuries.
- Advise aircrew members and aviation personnel on aeromedical factors, such as altitude physiology, spatial disorientation, and aerospace medicine principles.
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and specialists, to ensure comprehensive care and treatment plans.
- Conduct research and contribute to the development of aeromedical policies, guidelines, and protocols.
- Participate in flight safety programs, accident investigations, and risk management activities to enhance aviation safety.
- Provide medical support during flight operations, including aeromedical evacuation missions and emergency response situations.
- Maintain accurate medical records and documentation in compliance with Air Force regulations and standards.
- Stay updated on advancements in aerospace medicine, aviation physiology, and related fields through continuing education and professional development activities.
QUALIFIFCATIONS:- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited medical school.
- Completion of residency training.
- Board certification or eligibility.
- Current medical license and credentials to practice medicine in at least one U.S. State.
- Be no older than 48 years at time of training. (Waivers may be considered on a case by case basis)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with aircrew members, healthcare professionals, and aviation personnel.
- Ability to work effectively in high-stress environments and respond to medical emergencies during flight operations.
- Commitment to upholding Air Force values, mission readiness, and healthcare standards.
- U.S. Citizenship is required. Permanent residents will be considered on a case by case basis. 
- Must be morally and medically qualified.

BENEFITS:

-Competitive salary and benefits package, including healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.
-Access to state-of-the-art medical facilities, equipment, and resources for delivering high-quality healthcare services.
-Opportunity to work alongside experienced aviation and healthcare professionals in a dynamic and challenging environment.
-Career advancement and leadership opportunities within the Air Force Medical Service and aerospace medicine community.

How to Apply:

If safeguarding the health of those who defend our nation sounds like your calling, we encourage you to apply. Click on the “Apply Now” button

To learn more go to https://www.airforce.com/ or click here for a video


*Acceptance of this position is contingent upon qualifying for and commissioning into the United States Air Force. Positions are worldwide and are subject to availability.

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