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Glider Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Primary Job Duties To be considered for a pilot position, you must: Be at least 21 years of age ... SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a ...

Primary Job Duties To be considered for a pilot position, you must: Be at least 21 years of age ... SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a ...

Primary Job Duties To be considered for a pilot position, you must: Be at least 21 years of age ... SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a ...

Primary Job Duties To be considered for a pilot position, you must: Be at least 21 years of age ... SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a ...

Primary Job Duties To be considered for a pilot position, you must: Be at least 21 years of age ... SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a ...

Primary Job Duties To be considered for a pilot position, you must: Be at least 21 years of age ... SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a ...

Primary Job Duties To be considered for a pilot position, you must: Be at least 21 years of age ... SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a ...

Primary Job Duties To be considered for a pilot position, you must: Be at least 21 years of age ... SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a ...

Glider (AUV) Technician II

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$39K - $50K/yr

The Glider (AUV) Technician II will support the Southwest Fisheries Science Center's (SWFSC ... Piloting gliders throughout deployments on rotating 24-hour shifts, monitoring flight performance ...

Primary Job Duties To be considered for a pilot position, you must: Be at least 21 years of age ... SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a ...

Primary Job Duties To be considered for a pilot position, you must: Be at least 21 years of age ... SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a ...

Primary Job Duties To be considered for a pilot position, you must: Be at least 21 years of age ... SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a ...

Primary Job Duties To be considered for a pilot position, you must: Be at least 21 years of age ... SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a ...

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Glider Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do glider pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for glider 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Glider Pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Glider Pilot, you need strong aeronautical knowledge, excellent situational awareness, and FAA glider pilot certification or its international equivalent. Familiarity with flight instruments, airspace regulations, meteorological systems, and radio communications is essential. Outstanding decision-making, focus under pressure, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this position. These abilities ensure flight safety, smooth operation, and optimal performance in dynamic and sometimes challenging flying environments.

How can I become a glider pilot?

To become a glider pilot, you need to obtain a glider pilot certificate from the aviation authority, which involves passing a medical exam, completing flight training with a certified instructor, and passing written and practical exams. Training typically includes learning aerodynamics, weather, and navigation, and requires a minimum number of flight hours. Once certified, pilots can fly gliders solo or tow aircraft, often participating in clubs or competitions.

What does a typical day look like for a Glider Pilot, and what are the main responsibilities?

A typical day for a Glider Pilot involves conducting pre-flight inspections, reviewing weather conditions, planning flight paths, and safely piloting gliders either for training, sport, or commercial activities such as sightseeing flights. You may collaborate closely with ground crew, fellow pilots, and, at times, instructors or passengers to coordinate launches and recoveries. Additional responsibilities include ensuring compliance with safety protocols, maintaining accurate flight logs, and performing basic glider maintenance checks. The role offers a mix of structured procedures and adaptability, requiring both independence during flight and teamwork on the ground. As you gain experience, there are opportunities to advance into senior pilot, flight instruction, or operational leadership roles.

How many glider pilots are there in the USA?

There are approximately 4,000 licensed glider pilots in the United States, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Glider pilots must obtain a specific pilot certificate, which requires training, flight hours, and passing written and practical exams. The number can vary as new pilots are certified and others retire or stop flying.

How much do glider pilots make?

Glider pilots' earnings vary based on experience, location, and whether they work commercially or recreationally. Typically, commercial glider pilots can earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, with some experienced pilots earning more, especially if they instruct or work for specialized companies. Many glider pilots also supplement income through instruction, competitions, or flying clubs.

What is a Glider Pilot job?

A Glider Pilot operates unpowered aircraft, known as gliders or sailplanes, using rising air currents to stay aloft. They take off using a tow plane or winch launch and rely on their skill to navigate and land safely. Glider Pilots work in recreational, sport, or commercial settings, including flight training and aerial observation. Their role requires strong situational awareness, meteorology knowledge, and precise flight control.

Is it hard to become a glider pilot?

Becoming a glider pilot requires completing a training program that includes ground school, flight instruction, and passing written and practical exams. It typically involves gaining a minimum number of flight hours and obtaining a glider pilot certificate from aviation authorities, which can take several months depending on individual progress and availability of training resources.
What cities are hiring for Glider Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Glider Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Glider Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Glider Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Glider Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Glider Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Glider Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Glider Pilot jobs are:
Infographic showing various Glider Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
First Officer Pilot

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


SkyWest Airlines rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 26 rated airlines


Job description


Primary Job Duties

To be considered for a pilot position, you must: 

Be at least 21 years of age 
Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings
English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate
Hold a current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
Be a U.S. citizen or able to show proof of right to work in the U.S. 
Hold FCC Radiotelephone Operator's Permit.
Have a current Passport --or other travel documents enabling the bearer to freely exit and re-enter the U.S. (multiple reentry status) and be legally eligible to work in the U.S. (possess proper working documents).
Must be available to work on any day, seven days a week, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Be within three months of the minimum hour requirements detailed below

ATP Written Requirement: 

SkyWest will provide the means to complete a SkyWest-approved CTP course for those who complete an application and successfully pass the pilot interview. 
 

Pilot applicants must meet the experience requirements of FAR 61.159 prior to employment.  

SkyWest Minimum Requirements When Counting Helicopter or Glider Time
SkyWest Airlines recognizes the skills common to helicopter and glider flying. SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a minimum of 250 PIC hours of fixed wing.

Domiciles

Arizona:  Phoenix, Tucson

California:  Fresno, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego, San Francisco

Colorado: Colorado Springs, Denver
Georgia: Atlanta

Idaho: Boise

Illinois: Chicago

Minnesota: Minneapolis/St. Paul

Michigan: Detroit

Oregon: Portland

Texas: Austin, Dallas, Houston

Utah: Salt Lake City

Washington: Seattle

Wisconsin: Milwaukee


Minimum Requirements
  • Assist the Pilot- in- Command (PIC) in conducting the flight safely and efficiently
  • Assist the PIC and/or passenger service personnel as needed to ensure a prompt departure
  • Assist or relieve the PIC in manipulation of the flight controls of an aircraft while underway, including taxiing, takeoff and landing of such aircraft

Physical and Other Requirements
  • Must have a First Class Medical
  • Must be willing to fly assigned schedule based on pilot bidding seniority; including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
  • To apply, please complete the on-line application (qualified applicants will be contacted)
Qualifications:

To be considered for a pilot position, you must: 

Be at least 21 years of age 
Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings
English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate
Hold a current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
Be a U.S. citizen or able to show proof of right to work in the U.S. 
Hold FCC Radiotelephone Operator's Permit.
Have a current Passport --or other travel documents enabling the bearer to freely exit and re-enter the U.S. (multiple reentry status) and be legally eligible to work in the U.S. (possess proper working documents).
Must be available to work on any day, seven days a week, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Be within three months of the minimum hour requirements detailed below

ATP Written Requirement: 

SkyWest will provide the means to complete a SkyWest-approved CTP course for those who complete an application and successfully pass the pilot interview. 
 

Pilot applicants must meet the experience requirements of FAR 61.159 prior to employment.  

SkyWest Minimum Requirements When Counting Helicopter or Glider Time
SkyWest Airlines recognizes the skills common to helicopter and glider flying. SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a minimum of 250 PIC hours of fixed wing.

Domiciles

Arizona:  Phoenix, Tucson

California:  Fresno, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego, San Francisco

Colorado: Colorado Springs, Denver
Georgia: Atlanta

Idaho: Boise

Illinois: Chicago

Minnesota: Minneapolis/St. Paul

Michigan: Detroit

Oregon: Portland

Texas: Austin, Dallas, Houston

Utah: Salt Lake City

Washington: Seattle

Wisconsin: Milwaukee

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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