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Ground Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PSA Airlines

Ground Instructor

Charlotte, NC

Responsibilities Position Summary The Ground Training Instructor is responsible for ground school ... Ensures new hire pilots have completed required time verifications, meet company minimums, and ...

Northrop Grumman

Staff Pilot Test

Edwards, CA · On-site

$214K - $321K/yr

Northrop Grumman's Test and Evaluation (T&E) organization is seeking a Staff Test Pilot for ... ground test, flight test, and reporting on test results. Selected candidate must successfully ...

KBR

RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$95K - $143K/yr

Execute ground launch and recovery activities, including support equipment setup, aircraft staging ... Serves as a UAS Pilot and provide all aspects of project officer duties for the Counter UAS and ...

KBR

$95K - $143K/yr

Execute ground launch and recovery activities, including support equipment setup, aircraft staging ... Serves as a UAS Pilot and provide all aspects of project officer duties for the Counter UAS and ...

Textron

Bell Training Academy Pilot

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Responsible for delivering academic ground instruction and simulator training to customers for ... No revocation of any pilot's license by the FAA or regulatory agencies. * Self-motivated ...

Still Bright

Pilot Manager

Kenilworth, NJ · On-site

$127K/yr

The Pilot Manager owns the safe, reliable, day-to-day operation of Still Bright's integrated pilot ... Experience writing and enforcing SOPs and maintenance programs from the ground up. Nice-to-Have

Life Flight Network

Rotor Wing Pilot

Pendleton, OR · On-site

$101K - $120K/yr

The Rotor Wing Pilot is responsible for professionally and safely operating aircraft for LFN to ... Operates aircraft tug, tractor, and/or ground handling equipment * Proficient in Microsoft Office ...

Dynamic Aviation

Instructor Pilot

Bridgewater, VA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

... pilots who promote a safe and professional flight crew environment. Compensation and Perks: * Pay ... Conduct advanced ground training for aircraft systems, mission equipment, and survival equipment ...

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Ground Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do ground pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for ground 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 is a ground pilot?

A Ground Pilot is responsible for remotely operating unmanned vehicles, such as drones or autonomous ground vehicles, for various applications like logistics, surveillance, or inspections. They monitor vehicle performance, navigate routes, and ensure safe operations according to protocols. Ground Pilots often work in industries such as defense, transportation, and infrastructure, requiring technical skills and situational awareness.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a ground pilot?

As a Ground Pilot, your day-to-day duties often include preparing and inspecting drones before flight, operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) remotely during missions, and ensuring all activities comply with safety and regulatory requirements. You’ll also be responsible for monitoring flight paths, troubleshooting technical issues, and maintaining accurate records of each flight. Collaboration with project managers, data analysts, or field crews is common for coordinating logistics and delivering collected data. The work environment may involve both outdoor fieldwork and office-based planning, offering a dynamic mix of hands-on and strategic tasks.

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

To thrive as a Ground Pilot, you need a solid understanding of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), drone operations, and aviation safety protocols, typically backed by relevant certifications such as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with remote control systems, telemetry software, ground control stations, and mapping or inspection tools is essential. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to problem-solve quickly are vital soft skills for the role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of drone missions while coordinating effectively with team members and airspace authorities.

How do you become a ground pilot?

To become a ground pilot, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant training, and certification such as a ground school license or specific ground handling certifications. Experience with aircraft ground operations, safety procedures, and communication skills are also important for this role.
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Ground Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ground Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Part-Time Aviation Pilot Training Instructor

Belleville, IL • On-site

Southwestern Illinois College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Southwestern Illinois Collegeexternal

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Southwestern Illinois College rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ANNOUNCEMENT
Southwestern Illinois College is accepting applications for part-time instructors in the Aviation Pilot Training and Aviation Management (AVIA) programs. Part-time instructors are hired on an as-needed basis.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Part-time instructors in the Aviation Pilot and Aviation Management (AVIA) program are responsible for teaching Flight Simulator, Aviation Pilot Training Ground and Aviation Management program courses. Instructors are responsible for teaching the objectives of each AVIA course assigned, the assessment of student learning and reporting of student progress as required by the college.
QUALIFICATIONS
  1. Meet the minimum instructor requirements for any course assigned. Requirements vary per individual Aviation Pilot Training (AVIA) course.
  2. Simulator instructors must hold a minimum of a FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate and Single Engine Land Airplane rating. Certificated Flight Instructor Certificate, CFI, preferred.
  3. Pilot Ground Instructors must hold a minimum of an FAA Advance Ground Instructor Certificate.
  4. Aviation Management program instructors must have a minimum of three years related experience in Aviation Management.
  5. Strong communication, organization and interpersonal skills.
  6. Knowledge of and ability to use personal computers, applicable software and Internet - dependent on the needs of course delivery.

STARTING SALARY
Salary varies based on educational level and number of courses taught.
BENFITS AND PERKS: Benefit availability and eligibility may vary from the summary listed below. Please visit www.swic.edu for more information.
  • Retirement savings plan through State Universities Retirement System of Illinois and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) savings plan
  • Eligibility for medical coverage as outlined in the Affordable Care Act.
  • Employee Assistance Program, employee discounts, gym access, additional voluntary benefits and more!
WORK LOCATION
Aviation Pilot Training program courses are offered at the SWIC Belleville Campus.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications will be reviewed as assignments become available.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Required application materials, such as resume, cover letter and references, should be attached to your application. Other required application materials i.e., transcripts, etc., should be attached after your application has been submitted. Go to your My Job Applications page from the careers home page of your account.
Southwestern Illinois College
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