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Flight Surgeon Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Flight Surgeon

Detroit, MI

Flight Surgeon ID: 1335 Location: Selfridge, MI (Detroit) Facility: US Coast Guard-Selfridge, MI (Detroit) Facility Hours of Operation: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Employee Work Hours: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM ...

U.S. Air Force

Flight Surgeon

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

Decypher

Flight Surgeon - Physician

Columbus, MS

S. military Flight Surgeon experience. * Experience: * At least 160 hours of direct patient care in the past year * 3+ years as a privileged flight surgeon at a U.S. Military installation within the ...

Decypher

Flight Surgeon - Physician

Columbus, MS · On-site

S. military Flight Surgeon experience. * Experience: * At least 160 hours of direct patient care in the past year * 3+ years as a privileged flight surgeon at a U.S. Military installation within the ...

Decypher

Flight Surgeon - Physician

Columbus, MS

S. military Flight Surgeon experience. * Experience: * At least 160 hours of direct patient care in the past year * 3+ years as a privileged flight surgeon at a U.S. Military installation within the ...

Decypher

Flight Surgeon - Physician

Columbus, MS

S. military Flight Surgeon experience. * Experience: * At least 160 hours of direct patient care in the past year * 3+ years as a privileged flight surgeon at a U.S. Military installation within the ...

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Flight Surgeon information

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$11K

$159.5K

How much do flight surgeon jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight surgeon in the United States is $158,510.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $158,500.00 and $158,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Flight Surgeon vs Aerospace Medicine Physician?

AspectFlight SurgeonAerospace Medicine Physician
Required CredentialsMedical degree, military or civilian medical license, specialized aerospace trainingMedical degree, board certification in aerospace medicine
Work EnvironmentMilitary aviation settings, air force bases, NASAResearch facilities, clinics, aerospace industry
Employer & IndustryMilitary, government agencies, NASAPrivate aerospace companies, government agencies, research institutions

Flight Surgeons and Aerospace Medicine Physicians both require medical degrees and specialized training in aerospace medicine. Flight Surgeons typically work within military or government aviation environments, focusing on the health of pilots and aircrew. Aerospace Medicine Physicians often work in research, industry, or civilian settings, focusing on health and safety in aerospace environments. While their roles overlap, their work settings and employer types differ significantly.

What are flight surgeons?

Flight surgeons are specially trained physicians responsible for the medical care of pilots, aircrew, and other aviation personnel. They focus on the unique physiological and psychological challenges related to flight, such as altitude sickness, spatial disorientation, and fatigue. Flight surgeons also conduct medical evaluations, provide preventive health care, and ensure aircrew are fit to fly. In addition, they play a key role in aerospace medicine, supporting both military and civilian aviation operations.

What are the main challenges a Flight Surgeon faces when supporting aircrew and flight operations?

Flight Surgeons often encounter unique challenges, such as assessing and managing the health of aircrew in dynamic and high-stress environments. They must be prepared to address both the physical and psychological demands of aviation, including fatigue, altitude effects, and rapid decision-making under pressure. Additionally, Flight Surgeons regularly collaborate with pilots, engineers, and safety personnel to ensure mission readiness and compliance with strict aviation medical standards. Adapting quickly to changing scenarios and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of aerospace medicine are essential aspects of this role.

What Does a Flight Surgeon Do?

A flight surgeon works for the United States military to offer medical support and treatment for pilots, astronauts, or other crew members on airplanes and spacecraft. Your responsibilities as an aerospace flight surgeon are to understand, identify, and react to common aviation stressors, diagnose conditions, and decide the proper treatment plan. You also provide emergency care when necessary, give first aid training to other crew members, and prepare astronauts for space flights. When not in flight, flight surgeons have on-ground duties like hosting training meetings for other medical personnel, participating in medical and military training meetings and courses, and conducting medical research.

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

To thrive as a Flight Surgeon, you need a medical degree, board certification in aerospace medicine or a related specialty, and strong knowledge of aviation physiology and emergency care. Familiarity with aeromedical evacuation protocols, electronic health records, and military or aviation-specific medical systems is essential. Excellent decision-making, communication, and teamwork skills help manage high-stress situations and coordinate care with flight crews. These competencies ensure the health and safety of aircrew members and mission readiness in demanding aviation environments.
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Flight Surgeon jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Surgeon job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,510 per year, or $76.2 per hour.
Flight Surgeon

Flight Surgeon

Virgin Galactic, Inc.

Truth Or Consequences, NM • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Provides medical support for Virgin Galactic's space flight operations and assists in the provision of medical care for pilots and spaceflight participants. Guided by our values, "Safety Above All", we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. The Flight Surgeon will be integral in the development and revision of medical standards, screening, medical risk assessment, and medical care for pilots and spaceflight participants prior to and after space flights. The Flight Surgeon will assist with Emergency Response planning and execution. This position is also responsible for integrating with design and engineering teams, providing human systems requirement inputs in addition to cabin occupancy & safety standards for current and future space flight systems. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.
Responsibilities
  • Care for pilots and spaceflight participants pre- and post-flight
  • Perform FAA AME examinations for pilots and assist in management of the Pilot Medical Program. Enable and assist pilots to optimize their health and performance to thrive in the air & space environments
  • Participate in spaceflight participant (customer) readiness by performing medical assessments, risk determinations, and communication of medical risks to spaceflight participants and VG management
  • Provide care or coordination of care for VG visitors (e.g., spaceflight participant friends & family, incentive flyers/guest riders) while on site and/or at VG facilities
  • Provide oversight of contract providers employed during flight operations
  • Provide oversight/training for aerospace medicine residents/medical students
  • Engage in an active role supporting Emergency Response planning & execution
  • Discover, prevent, mitigate & manage various physiological responses that result from encountering dynamic environments (e.g., acceleration forces, microgravity)
  • Develop, write, and edit medical standards and space system requirements
  • Support Chief Medical Officer's strategic planning & medical concept of operations development and implementation
  • Participate in training of spaceflight participants, particularly regarding aeromedical aspects of suborbital spaceflight
  • Support and participate in centrifuge training for pilots/spaceflight participants
  • Support the Chief Medical Officer to implement the execution of a medical program in accordance with strategic plans
  • Adhere to safety standards congruent with Virgin Galactic values & practices
  • Train and certify as a medical console operator in the Mission Control Center
  • Evaluate, assess and communicate medical risks of planned research payloads
  • Professionally represent Virgin Galactic at customer engagements, medical conferences, and industry events.
  • Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks

Required Skills and Experience
  • Experience and training in aerospace medicine are critical
  • M.D. or D.O. degree from an ACGME- or AOA-accredited program of postgraduate training (and/or international equivalent)
  • Completion of an ACGME- or AOA- accredited residency in Aerospace Medicine (and/or international equivalent). Mayo Aerospace Medicine Fellowship also fulfills this requirement
  • Board eligible in Aerospace Medicine via the American Board of Preventive Medicine (and/or international equivalent)
  • Prior experience working as an aerospace medicine specialist within the aerospace industry (e.g., military, NASA, commercial space industry)
  • Eligibility and commitment to acquire New Mexico medical license
  • Eligibility and commitment to acquire DEA certification (federal and New Mexico)
  • Eligibility and commitment to obtain FAA Class 2 medical certification
  • Commitment to relocate/reside within 2-hour drive to Spaceport America, NM
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule that may result in irregular hours based on the flight schedule
  • Experience in generating reports/communicating data regarding medical risk
  • Ability to lead by example and think/plan strategically
  • Excellent communication and writing skills
  • Willingness to commute to varied Virgin Galactic sites as required
  • Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
  • Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Completed ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency/fellowship program of postgraduate specialty training (and/or international equivalent) in a primary care field of medicine (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine) to include associated board certification
  • Current ABPM board certification in Aerospace Medicine via the American Board of Preventive Medicine (and/or international equivalent)
  • FAA Aviation Medical Examiner certification, Senior AME preferred
  • Aeronautical rating of Flight Surgeon, Senior Flight Surgeon or Chief Flight Surgeon
  • Willingness/physical ability to fly regularly in aerobatic aircraft/high G environment to observe/evaluate pilot performance
  • Minimum 48 months of experience as a flight surgeon
  • Space medicine operational support experience highly desired

Physical and/or Additional Requirements
• Must be able to travel/commute to multiple Virgin Galactic sites
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and be able to maneuver in tight spaces
• Must be physically able to handle items weighing up to 40lbs
• Must be willing to pursue additional training and/or certifications
#LI-ID1
The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $126,900.00-$203,075.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits
Who We Are
Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles .
Export Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. See list here .
EEO Statement
Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Drug Free Workplace
Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace. All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol testing.
Phoenix Employment Requirements
For individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge. This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.

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