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Freight Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Poseidon Aerospace

Pilot

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

... curve for air freight, making it faster, cheaper, and accessible anywhere it's needed ... As a Pilot at Poseidon Aerospace, you will serve as the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) for our ...

Stack AV

Freight Logistics Manager

Pittsburgh, PA

Ensure all pilot and test missions comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, as well as state-specific autonomous vehicle (AV ...

Ameriflight

BE-1900 Captain Cargo Pilot

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$87K/yr

... freight forwarders to adapt to the ever-changing demands and speed of a modern air cargo supply ... Base salary is $87,006 annually Pilot Benefits: * Ameriflight is a proud partner of the UPS ...

Stack AV

Freight Logistics Manager

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

As a Freight Logistics Manager within Product Operations, you will serve as Stack's go-to person ... Ensure all pilot and test missions comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor ...

Pilot

Dispatcher

Dallas, TX · On-site

Pilot has the best employees in the transportation and logistics industry! Essential Functions: * Scheduling drivers to make freight delivery or collect shipments and packages * Communicating with ...

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All JobsFreight Pilot Jobs

Freight Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do freight pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for freight pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do freight pilots make?

Freight pilots typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, certification level, and the company they work for. Experienced pilots flying large cargo aircraft or working for major logistics companies tend to earn higher salaries. Many freight pilots also receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

Which pilots make 500,000 a year?

In the freight pilot industry, highly experienced cargo pilots, especially those flying for major carriers or operating large aircraft, can earn annual salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000, often through a combination of base pay, overtime, and bonuses. Such earnings typically require extensive flight hours, seniority, and specialized certifications. These high salaries are more common among senior pilots in large freight companies or those with specialized roles.

Do pilots make $400 an hour?

Freight pilots, such as those flying cargo planes, can earn around $100 to $200 per hour, depending on experience, airline, and flight hours. Earning $400 an hour is uncommon and typically associated with highly specialized or senior roles in aviation, not standard freight pilot positions.

How to become a freight pilot?

To become a freight pilot, you need to obtain a commercial pilot license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority, which requires flight training, logging a minimum number of flight hours, and passing written and practical exams. Additional certifications such as an instrument rating can improve job prospects, and experience with cargo aircraft operations is often preferred.

What is the difference between Freight Pilot vs Truck Driver?

AspectFreight PilotTruck Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), FAA certificationCommercial Driver's License (CDL)
Work EnvironmentAirports, cargo planes, aviation facilitiesRoadways, trucking companies, highways
Industry UsageAviation and air freightGround freight and logistics
Common Search IntentComparison of pilot roles in freightGround transportation jobs

Freight Pilots operate cargo aircraft and require aviation certifications, working primarily in airports and air freight logistics. Truck Drivers operate on roads with a CDL and are involved in ground freight transportation. While both roles involve freight delivery, they differ significantly in work environment, required credentials, and industry focus.

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

To thrive as a Freight Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong knowledge of aviation regulations, and expertise in flight planning and navigation. Proficiency with avionics systems, cargo loading procedures, and flight management software is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and stress management skills set top performers apart in this field. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and timely delivery of cargo under diverse and challenging conditions.

What are freight pilots?

Freight pilots are professional aviators who operate aircraft to transport cargo rather than passengers. They are responsible for ensuring the safe and timely delivery of goods, which can include anything from mail and medical supplies to industrial equipment. Freight pilots often fly at night or during irregular hours to meet tight delivery schedules. They must be skilled in handling large and sometimes specialized aircraft, and are required to follow strict safety regulations and procedures. The job can involve both domestic and international routes, depending on the employer.

What are some common challenges freight pilots face during their flights, and how are these typically managed?

Freight pilots often encounter challenges such as irregular schedules, night flying, and navigating adverse weather conditions. Unlike passenger flights, cargo operations can involve frequent late-night or early-morning departures and arrivals, requiring strong time management and adaptability. Pilots must also be prepared for rapid changes in routing due to cargo priorities or unforeseen delays. Effective communication with dispatchers and ground crews, as well as adherence to safety protocols, helps manage these challenges and ensures timely, safe delivery of cargo.
More about Freight Pilot jobs
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Freight Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freight Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Seasonal Seaplane Pilot

Kawanti Adventures and Taquan Air

Ketchikan, AK • On-site

Temporary

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Taquan Air in Ketchikan is looking to fill seasonal full-time pilot positions starting May 1st, 2024 through September 30th, 2024.
We operate DeHavilland Beavers and Turbine Otters on straight floats exclusively. All pilot positions involve flying freight and mail to multiple destinations near Ketchikan, as well as on and around Prince of Wales Island. The summer season will include flight seeing tours to the Misty Fjords National Monument and surrounding areas. Applicants must be physically fit and able to load and unload cargo, have good customer service skills, be able to work well with others as part of a team, with good judgement and a safety-first frame of mind.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PILOTS:
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate with Airplane Single-engine Sea Rating
  • 1000 hours total time
  • 100 hours cross-country time, including 25 hours night cross-country time
  • Instrument Rating (per FAR 135.243)
  • Taquan Air will consider a variety of experience levels, however you do need 200 hours float time minimum.
  • A history of instructing seaplane applicants is a definite plus.

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