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Highway Patrol Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Pilot

Washington, DC · On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

Assists ground units and provides airborne support for missions including patrol, aerial search and ... snow emergencies, highway accidents, utility road work, waterways, etc. Observes and reports ...

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Flagstaff, AZ · On-site

$14.70/hr

... our Highway Patrol Social Media Team. This isn't just another internship-it's a chance to gain ... child (pilot program). For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please ...

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Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$64K - $87K/yr

Under general supervision, supervises the operations of the Highway Patrol Traffic Operations ... child (pilot program). For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please ...

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Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$29.16 - $40/hr

From fishing, boating and off-highway vehicle use to shooting sports, hunting and wildlife watching ... Wildlife Aircraft Pilot (Full-time) Job Location: FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / AVIATION BRANCH ...

Highway Patrol Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do highway patrol pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for highway patrol 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 Highway Patrol Pilot job?

A Highway Patrol Pilot is a law enforcement officer who operates aircraft to assist in traffic enforcement, search and rescue, and public safety missions. They monitor highway conditions, identify traffic violations, and provide aerial support for ground units. Patrol pilots may also assist in disaster response, surveillance, and pursuit operations. This role requires both law enforcement training and a pilot’s license, along with experience in aviation and public safety.

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

A Highway Patrol Pilot needs strong piloting skills, a valid commercial pilot’s license (often with helicopter experience), and a thorough knowledge of aviation regulations and safety procedures. Experience with police radio systems, aerial surveillance equipment, and GPS navigation is typically required. Excellent communication, decision-making, and teamwork skills are vital for coordinating with ground patrol units and responding effectively in high-pressure situations. These abilities ensure safe, efficient operations and successful law enforcement missions from the air.

What does a typical workday look like for a Highway Patrol Pilot?

A typical day for a Highway Patrol Pilot involves conducting aerial patrols over highways, assisting with traffic enforcement, tracking suspects during vehicle pursuits, and providing support during search and rescue operations. Pilots work closely with ground officers and dispatchers, constantly communicating to relay critical information. The role may require readiness to respond to emergency situations and flexibility with working hours, especially when supporting major incidents. In addition to flying responsibilities, pilots perform routine aircraft inspections, complete flight logs, and may participate in training exercises to maintain their skills. The team environment is highly collaborative, with every member playing a crucial role in public safety operations.

More about Highway Patrol Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Highway Patrol Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Highway Patrol Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Highway Patrol Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Highway Patrol Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Highway Patrol Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Patrol Officer - Lateral Hire

Patrol Officer - Lateral Hire

City of Golden Valley (MN)

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$45.90 - $55.57/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Summary of Position The Golden Valley Police Department is a rapidly growing police department that serves a very supportive community of nearly 25,000 residents. We are seeking to add community-focused leaders in the public safety industry to join our department, starting with a two-week academy and a five-phase field training program. GVPD team members have many opportunities for career development, including SWAT, FTO, WMD, DRE, crisis negotiators, drone pilots, detectives, bike patrol, defensive tactics instructors, firearms instructors, and nearly unmatched training opportunities around the region.

Recruitment and Retention Incentive of $20,000 The City of Golden Valley is offering a $20,000 recruitment and retention incentive for new police officers Eligible for licensed Patrol Officers hired on or after May 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 3 separate lump sum payments $5000 upon successful completion of FTO $10,000 upon successful completion of probationary period $5,000 upon successful completion of 18 months of employment In addition, lateral officers with three or more years of relevant experience may start at a higher step on the City's pay scale. Benefits PTO + Holiday accrual rate (9.54 hours per pay period) Front-loaded PTO (40 up to 80 hours DOQ) FTOs earn 4.5 hours of pay or comp time each training shift Cafeteria benefits package which includes a monthly benefits contribution of $1,951 Education Incentive ($100 - $250/month DOQ) Multilingual pay ($150 per month) Fully paid uniforms and equipment Consistent, set, 12-hour shift schedules On-site indoor gun range for sworn staff to use on or off-duty Tuition reimbursement Paid parental leave Unlimited confidential counseling funded by city Updated fully equipped on-site fitness center 90-minutes of workout on duty time per 12-hour shift (dependent on daily staffing level) Access to a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach Expected Hours of Work The City Police department operates 24/7 year-round. Scheduled hours of staff will reflect those needs, and will include nights, weekends, and holidays

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform these essential functions: Build and maintain positive and community relationships, answering questions from the public and referring community members to resources as needed. Participate in community outreach and education initiatives. Patrol assigned areas by patrol car, bicycle, or on foot to enforce laws and City ordinances, detect and prevent crime, respond to complaints, and assist with restoration of public disturbance.

Apprehend and arrest law violators and prepare detailed reports of crimes and incidents. Respond to accident scenes, fires, and rescue operations, administering first aid (as needed), directing traffic flow, investigating accident scenes, and preparing reports. Conducting directed patrol.

Perform routine inspections and general maintenance of patrol cars, equipment, and equipment records. Assist other agencies, including neighboring communities, the County, and the State Highway Patrol as needed. Participate in Civil or Criminal court, including assisting with the preparation of legal documents.

Recommend strategies, standards, and procedures consistent with organizational and department priorities. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility This position does not have employee supervisory responsibilities. Minimum and Desired Qualifications United States Citizen. Successfully passed FTO and a current patrol officer.

Currently licensed, or eligible to be licensed as a peace officer by the Minnesota POST Board. Current Minnesota valid driver's license or ability to obtain one. Previous community service or customer service experience.

Ability to complete the essential duties and responsibilities of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Desired Qualifications Bachelor's degree in law enforcement, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Fluency in a second language Experience in a public safety role.

Previous experience building and maintaining relationships. Previous experience in community engagement or volunteer activities or events. Current Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification.

Knowledge in the operations of police vehicles, radios, radar, computers, and related equipment. Trained in safe operation, handling, and discharge of firearms Trained in driving a motor vehicle, sometimes under adverse conditions, and at high speeds, or in pursuit of fleeing vehicles. Competencies Communication Customer Focus Teamwork Positive Attitude Hard Work Equity & Inclusion Decision-Making Ethical Organized Problem Solving Work Environment and Physical Demands Work is conducted indoors and outdoors, subject to both inside and outside conditions.

Employees are subject to distracting noises, including radio, firearms, alarms, and citizen activity. Responsibilities involve supervision of police activities in detention, crime prevention and criminal investigation, and assuming command in critical situations, which can lead to exposure of contagious diseases and to hazardous situations that can lead to serious injury or death. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to: Regularly read and interpret documents and other written material. Regularly communicate and exchange information with others in person, over the telephone, radio, and using written communication methods. Frequently remain in a stationary position and regularly move within the building to attend meetings, and access files and office machinery.

Frequently traverse around the City, on foot, in a motor vehicle, or other City transportation mechanism. Regularly operate computers and other office equipment, such as a copy machine, printer, and telephone, as well as equipment/tools consistently found in law enforcement, including radar, radios, emergency medical gear, firearms, handcuffs, and tasers. Occasionally move or transport items weighing up to 100 pounds.

EEO Statement The City of Golden Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.