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Instrument Rated Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Staff Pilot Test

Edwards, CA · On-site

$214K - $321K/yr

FAA commercial Multi Engine instrument rated pilot * Minimum of 1,500 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command * Current FAA Class II Medical or higher * Military Test Pilot School (TPS ...

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Staff Pilot Test

Edwards, CA · On-site

$214K - $321K/yr

FAA commercial Multi Engine instrument rated pilot * Minimum of 1,500 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command * Current FAA Class II Medical or higher * Military Test Pilot School (TPS ...

Northrop Grumman

Staff Pilot Test

Edwards, CA · On-site

$214K - $321K/yr

FAA commercial Multi Engine instrument rated pilot Minimum of 1,500 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command Current FAA Class II Medical or higher Military Test Pilot School (TPS) Graduate ...

State of Arkansas

PILOT

Malvern, AR · On-site

$114K - $169K/yr

Possession of additional ratings such as an Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) may be required depending on operational scope or aircraft type.

ADP, Inc.

Pilot In Command - International

Fargo, ND · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Pilot In Command - International Full-Time Fargo, ND, US Position Reports to: Director of Flight ... Must be Commercial/ME/Instrument rated . * Must have current First or Second Class Medical

Leidos

Aeronautical Information Analyst

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$65K - $118K/yr

Commercial Instrument Rated Pilot (Military or Civilian) * Certified Instrument Flight Instructor. * Previous experience with FAA or DoD terminal instrument procedures (TERPS). * Ability to obtain ...

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Instrument Rated Pilot information

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$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do instrument rated pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for instrument rated pilot in the United States is $105,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an instrument rated pilot?

An instrument rated pilot is a pilot who has obtained an additional certification on their pilot’s license, allowing them to fly aircraft solely by reference to instruments, without relying on outside visual cues. This is known as flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), which is essential for flying in poor weather conditions, clouds, or low visibility. The instrument rating expands a pilot’s skills and enhances safety, making it a valuable qualification for both private and professional aviators.

What are some common challenges instrument rated pilots face when transitioning from visual flight rules (VFR) to instrument flight rules (IFR) operations?

Instrument Rated Pilots often find the transition from VFR to IFR challenging due to the increased reliance on instruments rather than visual cues, which can be disorienting at first. Managing workload during busy phases of flight, such as departures and approaches in low-visibility conditions, requires strong multitasking and situational awareness. Additionally, effective communication with air traffic control and adherence to complex procedures are critical for safety, making procedural discipline essential. Many pilots overcome these challenges through regular practice, simulator training, and continuous learning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrument rated pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrument Rated Pilot, you need a solid understanding of aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, and the ability to interpret and apply instrument flight rules (IFR), supported by an FAA or equivalent instrument rating certification. Familiarity with avionics systems, flight management systems (FMS), and navigation instruments like GPS and autopilot is essential. Strong situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and clear communication set outstanding pilots apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe and efficient flight operations in low-visibility or complex weather conditions.

What is the difference between Instrument Rated Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectInstrument Rated PilotCommercial Pilot
CertificationsRequires an instrument rating in addition to a private pilot licenseRequires a commercial pilot license, may or may not have an instrument rating
Work EnvironmentFlies in various conditions, including low visibility, often for charter or cargoPerforms aerial work such as tours, banner towing, or cargo transport
Industry UsageCommon in charter, cargo, and corporate flyingUsed in aerial photography, crop dusting, and other commercial operations

The main difference is that an Instrument Rated Pilot has additional certification allowing them to fly in instrument meteorological conditions, while a Commercial Pilot is licensed to be compensated for flying. Many pilots pursue both certifications to expand their career opportunities in the aviation industry.

How to become an instrument rated pilot?

To become an instrument rated pilot, you must hold a private pilot license, complete specific flight training hours focused on instrument flying, and pass the FAA written exam and checkride. This certification allows pilots to fly in a wider range of weather conditions using instruments and navigation systems.

What cities are hiring for Instrument Rated Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Instrument Rated Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Instrument Rated Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Instrument Rated Pilot jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Instrument Rated Pilot jobs?

For Instrument Rated Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Instrument Rated Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Air Traffic Assistant

Ronkonkoma, NY • On-site

Career Fields | Federal Aviation Administration
See more jobs at Career Fields | Federal Aviation Administrationexternal

$73K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Incumbent serves as a Air Traffic Assistant (Lead)/Flight Data Communications Team Lead (FDTL) at an Air Route Traffic Control Center(ARTCC).As the Flight Data Communications Team Lead, performs multiple and varying assignments under the limited direction of a manager andis responsible for providing flight data processing and communications service for the National Airspace System (NAS).Qualifications:

Candidates must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade or pay band (FV-F or FG/GS-7/8) in the Federal Government that demonstrates knowledge of and skill in the use of FAA Air Traffic Control procedures.

Qualifying specialized experience may have been gained in work involving:

(1) Civilian or military aircraft operations work, such as flight instructor, instrument rated pilot, flight engineer or air transport pilot;

(2) FAA Certified Dispatcher for an air carrier;

(3) Flight Information Expediter involved in determining flight times of airplanes and transmitting information to flight operations and command centers;

(4) Civilian or Military Air Traffic Controller; and

(5) Flight Data Processor;

or

Successful completion of an FAA or Military Air Traffic Control Training Program;

or

Possession of an FAA Control Tower Operator Certificate.

Additional examples of specialized experience include: experience using NAS computer systems such as the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system, Flight Data Input/Output (FDIO) system, and Digital Altimeter Setting Indicator (DASI) system; experience operating air traffic control operational computer and flight data equipment; experience amending proposed flight plans for flow control restrictions, Severe Weather Avoidance Plan (SWAP), and Expect Departure Clearance Time (EDCT) restrictions/changes; or experience in positions such as a military or civilian air traffic controller, flight instructor, instrument rated pilot, command center operators (base ops), dispatcher for an air carrier, or as Flight Services Specialist.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:Not applicable.Employment Type: OTHER

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