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Flight Surgeon Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Air Force

DC · On-site

Flight surgeons are at the heart of the aerospace medicine program. They re responsible for the health and effectiveness of aircrew members and those who directly support flight operations and their ...

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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 Jul 22, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,510 per year, or $76.2 per hour.
Emergency Medicine Physician

Emergency Medicine Physician

U.S. Air Force

Arlington, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

The Air Force Flight Surgeon serves as a medical officer responsible for the healthcare and medical readiness of aircrew and support personnel. This position combines traditional clinical medicine with aerospace medicine, emphasizing the unique physiological and psychological challenges of aviation and space environments. The Flight Surgeon provides primary medical care, preventive health assessments, and emergency medical response, while also advising commanders on medical standards, human factors, and safety protocols to enhance mission effectiveness. Additionally, the role involves participating in flight duties to understand aircrew conditions and maintaining currency in aviation medicine standards.

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