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Flight Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flight Test Pilot 3

Salem, OR · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Overview We are seeking a full-time Flight Test Pilot 3 at Garmin's Salem, OR location. In this role, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership in performance of flight test pilot ...

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA · On-site

$97K - $167K/yr

Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for a Test Pilot to operate research and development crewed and UAS platforms, with the primary focus of the Cessna Caravan program. Drawing on ...

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA · On-site

$97K - $167K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for a Test Pilot to operate research and development crewed and UAS platforms, with the primary focus of the Cessna Caravan program. Drawing ...

Overview Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for a Test Pilot to operate research and development crewed and UAS platforms, with the primary focus of the Cessna Caravan program. Drawing ...

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA · On-site

$97K - $167K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for a Test Pilot to operate research and development crewed and UAS platforms, with the primary focus of the Cessna Caravan program. Drawing ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Pilot information

See salary details

$11K

$121.7K

$193K

How much do flight pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight pilot in the United States is $121,652.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $175,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges flight pilots face during long-haul flights, and how do they manage them?

Flight pilots on long-haul routes often encounter challenges such as fatigue, changing time zones, and extended periods of high alertness. To manage these, airlines implement strict rest schedules and crew rotations to ensure pilots are well-rested. Pilots also use in-flight rest facilities and adhere to regulated duty hours to combat fatigue. Effective communication and teamwork between cockpit crew members are essential for maintaining safety and operational efficiency during extended flights.

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

To thrive as a Flight Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong aeronautical knowledge, and advanced decision-making skills. Proficiency with flight management systems (FMS), navigation instruments, and simulator training is typically required, along with certifications like an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Exceptional communication, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure safe, efficient flight operations and enable pilots to handle complex situations and emergencies with confidence.

What is a flight pilot?

Flight pilots are trained professionals responsible for operating aircraft safely and efficiently. They control the aircraft during takeoff, flight, and landing, following strict protocols to ensure passenger and crew safety. Pilots must be skilled in navigation, communication, and emergency procedures, and they often work for airlines, cargo companies, or private clients. Becoming a flight pilot typically requires specialized education, flight training, and licensing from aviation authorities.

What is the difference between Flight Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectFlight PilotCommercial Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) license for airline pilotsCommercial Pilot Certificate, specific ratings for passenger, cargo, or instructional flying
Work EnvironmentAirlines, charter companies, cargo carriers, private operatorsCharter services, aerial photography, flight instruction, cargo and passenger transport
Industry UsagePrimarily airline and large commercial operationsBroader range including private, corporate, and specialized commercial flying

Flight Pilots typically operate aircraft for airlines or large commercial operators, requiring advanced certifications like the ATP license. Commercial Pilots work in diverse settings such as charter services, flight instruction, and cargo transport, often with different ratings. Both roles demand specific certifications but differ mainly in scope and work environment, with Flight Pilots generally associated with airline operations and Commercial Pilots with a wider variety of commercial flying activities.

More about Flight Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Flight Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Flight Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Flight Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Flight Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,652 per year, or $58.5 per hour.

Flight Test Pilot 3

Garmin Ltd.

Salem, OR • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Garmin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 157 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Overview

We are seeking a full-time Flight Test Pilot 3 at Garmin's Salem, OR location. In this role, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership in performance of flight test pilot activities including developing ground and flight test plans for complex projects, acting as Pilot in Command during execution of flight tests, authoring certification plans or project level documentation for flight manuals, effectively representing the end user, and working with certification authorities to resolve certification issues.

Essential Functions
  • Acts as Pilot in Command for experimental aircraft with moderately significant changes to certified design and conducts complex, moderate-risk tests
  • May act as Flight Test Project Lead for moderately complex projects
  • Drafts ground/flight test plans for complex test programs including programs with tests not previously conducted
  • Defines operational characteristics for the system under development/test and effectively represents end user of individual products
  • Understands and is able to maintain moderately complex test aircraft configurations and coordinates with engineering teams
  • Analyzes data to assist with development of systems, determines compliance with requirements, and provides certification data
  • Addresses issues with test aircraft and installations including advanced troubleshooting and provides support to aircraft maintenance
  • Identifies/tracks issues during flight test, offers quality solutions, and verifies resolution for moderately complex projects
  • Leverages thorough understanding of aircraft certification process and associated regulations to author certification plans or content for complex projects, including new content
  • Creates project level documentation structure for flight manuals and technical publications intended for use by pilots
  • Serves as an expert in flight operations aspects of systems sufficient to communicate functional hazards and failure effects to safety analysis team
  • Works with certification authorities to resolve certification issues
  • Revises or authors new procedures and makes significant safety contributions to the flight test organization
  • Provides reliable solutions to a wide range of difficult problems using sound problem solving techniques
  • Serves as a mentor to less experienced flight test pilots (Flight Test Pilot 2)
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering AND a minimum of 5 years relevant experience
  • Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule)
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate
  • Minimum 1,500 hours total flight time
  • Minimum 200 Flight Test Hours
  • Previous flight test experience
  • Demonstrates proficient use of advanced engineering and flight test tools including performing advanced troubleshooting on complex avionics system installations
  • Demonstrates solid and proficient understanding of certification process and associated regulations
  • Demonstrates strong and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
Desired Qualifications
  • Previous experience in systems engineering or software development
  • Flight Test Pilot DER or ODA Unit Member Qualification
  • Commercial aviation experience is a plus
  • Helicopter pilot qualifications

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.

This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits.

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