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Guard Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... or Guard status, or * 1000 hours tactical aircraft time if DoD Retired or Separated, or * 1300 ... Pilot in Command, Instructor Pilot, or Stan/Eval Flight Examiner. * FAA Class II medical rating.

Pilot

Houston, TX · On-site

... or Guard status, or * 1000 hours tactical aircraft time if DoD Retired or Separated, or * 1300 ... Pilot in Command, Instructor Pilot, or Stan/Eval Flight Examiner. * FAA Class II medical rating.

$131.84K - $171.40K/yr

Learn more about this agency Duties Help As a HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR PILOT (IP) (Title 32) with the Texas Army National Guard, your duties will include, but will not be limited to: * Performs ...

Pilot

Houston, TX · On-site

... or Guard status, or * 1000 hours tactical aircraft time if DoD Retired or Separated, or * 1300 ... Pilot in Command, Instructor Pilot, or Stan/Eval Flight Examiner. * FAA Class II medical rating.

Pilot will operate company owned aircraft, including: OV-10 Bronco, PC-9, IAR-823 Brasov, Bell-206 ... May have 500 hours total fighter time and current in the Armed Forces Reserve or Guard status.

LUH-72A Lakota Instructor Pilot

Marana, AZ · On-site

$87.10K - $157.45K/yr

This role places you at the center of a mission that directly strengthens Army National Guard ... Instructor Pilots also perform Instructor Operator duties and deliver platform academic instruction ...

AIRCRAFT PILOT

Wainwright, AK · On-site +1

$101.21K - $131.57K/yr

Coordinates with the National Guard Bureau and the Army Aviation Center in matters pertaining to ... Serves, as required, as chairman or member of boards pertaining to pilot flying status, such as ...

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Guard Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do guard pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for guard 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 as a Guard Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Guard Pilot, you need a commercial or military pilot's license, strong aviation knowledge, and a thorough understanding of flight safety protocols. Familiarity with advanced avionics, navigation systems, and mission-specific equipment is typically required, along with completion of specialized military training and certifications. Exceptional decision-making, situational awareness, and teamwork skills are vital for handling high-pressure situations and coordinating with ground and air personnel. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring mission success and maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational effectiveness.

What are some common challenges Guard Pilots face during deployments, and how can they prepare for them?

Guard Pilots often encounter unique challenges during deployments, such as rapidly changing mission requirements, operating in unfamiliar or austere environments, and balancing civilian and military commitments. Preparing for these challenges involves maintaining a high level of proficiency through regular training, staying adaptable to new technologies and mission types, and fostering strong communication with both military teams and civilian employers. Building resilience and support networks within the unit also helps Guard Pilots manage the demands of deployment effectively.

What are Guard Pilots?

Guard Pilots are military aviators who serve in the Air National Guard or Army National Guard. Their primary duties include piloting aircraft for both state and federal missions, such as disaster response, homeland security, and combat operations. Guard Pilots may fly various types of aircraft, including fighters, cargo planes, and helicopters, depending on their unit and assignment. They balance military responsibilities with civilian life, often serving part-time while maintaining a civilian career. Training and qualifications are similar to those of active duty military pilots.

What is the difference between Guard Pilot vs Security Pilot?

AspectGuard PilotSecurity Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Security ClearanceCommercial Pilot License, Security Clearance
Work EnvironmentAirborne security patrols, private security flightsAirborne security operations, surveillance flights
Employer & Industry UsagePrivate security firms, corporate securityGovernment agencies, private security companies

Both Guard Pilots and Security Pilots require similar certifications and often operate in airborne security roles. However, Guard Pilots typically focus on private security flights for corporations or individuals, while Security Pilots may work more frequently with government agencies or in surveillance roles. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in airborne security services.

More about Guard Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Guard Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Guard Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Guard Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Guard Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Guard Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Guard Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Guard Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
AIRPLANE PILOT (ACCELERATED HIRE) with Security Clearance

AIRPLANE PILOT (ACCELERATED HIRE) with Security Clearance

Department of the Air Force

Fresno, CA

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Duties THIS IS A T32 EXCEPTED SERVICE, PERMANENT, INDEFINITE OR TEMPORARY POSITION. Indefinite Positions: Selectee may be non-competitively converted to permanent status if/when funding becomes available or position becomes unencumbered. Temporary Positions: Selectee may be non-competitively extended up to 4 years if/when funding becomes available in accordance with CNG FPH 001. The primary purpose of the AIRPLANE PILOT (ACCELERATED HIRE), GS-2181-13, is to pilot a unit-equipped (UE) airplane. In addition to piloting responsibilities, performs administrative tasks in support of the Air Operations program. May make additional selections within 90 days of eligible(s) issuance. Requirements Conditions of employment CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED: This is an excepted service position that requires membership in the California National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. If you are interested in joining the California National Guard, please contact a California National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position. https://state.nationalguard.com/california Compatible Military Assignment and Grade are required. Military technicians must be assigned to a military position in the same unit which they are employed or, in a unit that is supported by the employing activity. Military technicians must hold the military grade specified for the position. Areas(s) of Consideration: Consideration is given to the areas below. AREA I= Current California National Guard employees who are serving on a Permanent/Indefinite/Temporary appointment. AREA II= Current California National Guard members. AREA III= Current military members of the Air Force/Army National Guard, Air Force/Army Reserve or Air Force/Army Active Duty. (Applicants who are currently in other Air/Army branches and NOT currently a member of the California National Guard (CNG) must become a member of a compatible unit of assignment within the Air Force CNG commensurate with the military grade listed in this announcement prior to federal assignment). Military Grades: O-1 through O-6 Recruitment/Relocation Recruitment/Relocation Incentive MAY BE authorized, subject to funding and approval. PCS Relocation Costs MAY BE authorized subject to provisions of the Joint Travel Regulation, funding, and an agency determination that a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is in the Government's best interest. Must maintain appropriate level of security clearance. Must wear appropriate military uniform including required grooming standards. Must maintain a compatible military unit, grade and job assignment as required by current directives. Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. Qualifications General Experience: Must have a Federal Aviation Administration certification awarded from an accredited civilian aviation program or have a aviation certification from an accredited military aviation school AND have one year on-the-job experience in the grade (or comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level. AIRPLANE PILOT (ACCELERATED HIRE), GS-2181-13: Must have at least 36 months specialized competencies in operating a specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, and mission preparation; Experience reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information; Experience filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings; Experience with aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments; Experience performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance; Experience conducting or supervising the training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks; Experience developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders; Experience with flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures; Experience with unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of Defense, Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, and/or Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, regulations, and directives. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies: * Education and Training Program Administration
* Operation and Control
* Planning and Evaluating
* Safety and SecurityEducation Must have a Federal Aviation Administration certification awarded from an accredited civilian aviation program or have a aviation certification from an accredited military aviation school. When there is a positive education or certification requirement, or you are using education to qualify as a substitution for experience, copies of transcripts (unofficial) and/or certificates are required at the time of application to verify that you meet the educational/certification requirement or substitution. Failure to provide transcripts and/or certificates at the time of application will result in automatic disqualification. Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html. Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional information MILITARY MEMBERS WITH BONUSES: Upon acceptance of a military technician position military members who are currently receiving a military Reenlistment/Extension Bonus (REB) or GI Bill-SR Kicker may lose incentive eligibility and may be subject to termination or suspension of incentive (includes indefinite and temporary technicians on assignment for more than 180 days in any continuous 12-month period). If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency ( ). If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please email or Fax to 916-854-3439