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Flight Doctor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

... flight rooms, or other operational environments to build rapport and understand mission needs ... Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education ...

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Flight Doctor information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$28

$46

How much do flight doctor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight doctor in Virginia is $28.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.09 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight doctor?

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 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.

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.

Infographic showing various Flight Doctor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,366 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform patient evaluations, update treatment plans, and document care within the specified timeframes.

  • Deliver physical therapy services to aircrew in operational settings, including flying squadrons and during TDYs.

  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop integrated rehabilitation systems and participate in planning and program events.


Job description

**Requires Favorable Tier 3 Security Investigation which is the equivalent to being processed for a Secret Clearance if selected for the position**

Position Objective:  Deliver preventative and rehabilitative care, facilitate recovery, and support performance readiness for AETC aircrew. The PT shall operate with an aggressive “return-to-fly” mindset, performing evaluations, developing treatment plans, and integrating physical therapy within the broader Human Performance (HP) framework. The PT will collaborate closely with Strength & Conditioning Specialists, Massage Therapists, Domain Lead, Site Lead, and medical personnel to optimize operational capability and continuity of care.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provide physical therapy care in accordance with all applicable state, local, and national laws and standards. Perform patient evaluations, update treatment plans, supervise support staff, and document care in the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) or electronic medical records within 72 hours, as appropriate.
  • Deliver physical therapy services to assigned aircrew in HP facilities, flying squadrons, or other designated operational settings, including TDYs as required. Maintain credentialing and privileging with the local Medical Group.
  • Collaborate with HP staff to develop integrated rehabilitation systems and internal processes that link strength & conditioning and therapy services for seamless care delivery.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and HP planning efforts to ensure alignment and input on courseware development, training protocols, and data analysis.
  • Create and deliver instructional content and physical therapy-related materials for HP syllabi; provide briefings, seminars, and wellness consultations as required. Assist with curriculum development or re-design based on expert assessment of community served as requested.
  • Stay engaged with the aircrew community by spending at least 20% of duty hours in flying squadrons, flight rooms, or other operational environments to build rapport and understand mission needs.
  • Maintain and apply current expertise in musculoskeletal injury prevention, recovery, operational fitness, and evidence-based physical therapy practices relevant to the tactical aviation population.
  • Contribute to ongoing research initiatives, curriculum updates, and program evaluation through data collection, analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Participate in and assist with planning and coordination of the annual Aircrew Human Performance Summit, distinguished visitor tours, and other major program events as required.
  • Ensure workspaces, therapy equipment, and treatment areas are cleaned and sanitized weekly, in accordance with DHA infection control and medical safety protocols.
  • Document client encounters and instruction in the CRAFT system of record within 72 hours; maintain data quality in alignment with program standards.
  • Complete the CRAFT Physical Domain Qualification Course upon onboarding and actively participate in quarterly domain-specific sync calls to maintain alignment across sites. After completion of the qualification course, assist in planning and presenting at this course as requested.
  • During PASO visits, ensure preparation for instructional observation, execute planned activities, receive feedback in real time, and incorporate recommendations into future teaching and clinical work.
  • Attend CRAFT Program Office calls and leadership syncs, collaborating across roles and locations to maintain standardization and unity of effort.
  • May travel to other CRAFT sites or provide virtual support for sites without assigned PTs; may support aircrew during TDYs to ensure continuity of care.
  • Complete all required CRAFT compliance training and documentation, including CRAFT Program Familiarization, HPO Inappropriate Relationships and Harassment Training and Acknowledgment, DOD/DISA Information Systems Policy, social media Policy, and PII Training. Maintain records of training completion and credentialing for Government review upon request.

Basic Qualifications:

  • 2+ years of experience as a Physical Therapist (or Athletic Trainer if dual credentialed) in collegiate (or higher), professional, or tactical athletics; aerospace industry, test pilot/astronaut or similar man-machine high-performance environment.
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited program.
  • Current certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training.
  • Must be able to obtain a favorable Tier 3 security adjudication.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with non-technical and technical staff
  • Detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job, email us at recruiting@gapsi.com. You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.