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Flight Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

FLIGHT TEST PILOT III

Hollywood, MD · On-site

$96K - $125K/yr

FLIGHT TEST PILOT III Professional Hollywood, MD, US Salary Range: $96,257.00 To $125,133.00 Annually JOB TITLE: Flight Test Pilot III DEPARTMENT: Research & Development (R&D) REPORTS TO: Chief ...

FLIGHT TEST PILOT III

Hollywood, MD · On-site

$96K - $125K/yr

Flight Test Pilot III DEPARTMENT: Research & Development (R&D) REPORTS TO: Chief Technology Officer (CTO) CLASSIFICATION: Exempt CLEARANCE: Secret LOCATION: Hollywood, MD Job Summary The Flight Test ...

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Flight Pilot information

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$11K

$121.7K

$193K

How much do flight pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 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 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 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 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 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.

Is 25 too late to become a flight pilot?

Becoming a flight pilot at age 25 is generally feasible, as many pilots start training in their mid-20s or later. The key requirements include obtaining necessary certifications, such as a private pilot license and commercial pilot license, which depend on meeting age, health, and experience criteria. Age is less restrictive than skill, experience, and meeting regulatory standards set by aviation authorities.
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What states have the most Flight Pilot jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Flight Pilot jobs?

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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 Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA • On-site

Joby Aviation
Aviation • 1 - 5K employees

$97K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate research and development crewed and UAS aircraft platforms as the pilot in command during flight testing.

  • Create test plans, conduct data analysis, and provide feedback for system improvements.

  • Collaborate with team members in test preparation, execution, and post-test activities.


Job description

Company Overview
Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems across conventional, electric, and hydrogen-electric aircraft in both CTOL and VTOL configurations.
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 on experience crewed and UAS the role will fulfill pilot command duties during developmental and operational flight testing. Joining a small, fast moving team this position will support the full spectrum of test pilot duties as well as supporting engineering development activities.
Location: Concord, CA with <25% travel, will travel to occasional deployed testing including participation in military exercises.
Responsibilities
  • Act both as the airborne and remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms depending on the phase of the program
  • Uphold standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements
  • Uphold a strong safety culture
  • Create test plans, cards, and reports
  • Conduct data analysis
  • Collaborate with other crewmembers in preparation, execution, and post test activities
  • Provide detailed feedback and recommendations for system improvements
  • Play an active role in engineering design activities with a particular emphasis on human interfaces and airspace integration

Required
  • FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • Instrument Airplane rating
  • A minimum of 750 hours pilot in command (PIC) flight time and 100 hours of turbine time
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, preferably Engineering
  • At least 5 years of experience in aviation operations
  • At least 3 years of experience in as a test pilot
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently
  • Willingness to work extended hours
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for business purposes

This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. "US Person" includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.
Desired
  • SETP recognized Test Pilot School Graduate
  • FAA certified flight instructor
  • Leadership positions in a flight test organization
  • C-208 experience
  • Experience in highly automated aircraft
  • Experience as an operator/pilot of UAS system(s)

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $97,000 - $167,000/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.
Additional Information
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.