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Instrument Rated Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heliservice USA

Chief Pilot

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Instrument rating -- Because an instrument rating is required for HSUSA pilots in command, also hold a rotorcraft-helicopter instrument rating; and * PIC qualification -- Be qualified to serve as ...

STS Aviation Group

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Sierra Vista, AZ · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Instrument rating required * Twenty four hour operations with day and night rotation * Community ... Perform line pilot duties in accordance with the General Operations Manual * Conduct safe and ...

Wright Buick GMC Chevrolet

Cessna Citation Pilot

Baden, PA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) or Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument ratings * Cessna Citation Sovereign (680) type rating preferred (or ability to obtain) * Current FAA ...

Port City Air

Pilot

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, professional pilot who is comfortable operating PIC in a ... Instrument Rating - Must meet 135.243(c) PIC minimums - Have a 135.293/297 or 61.56/instrument ...

Port City Air

Pilot

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated,professional pilot who is comfortable operating PIC in a ... Instrument Rating - Must meet 135.243(c) PIC minimums - Have a 135.293/297 or 61.56/instrument ...

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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?

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What states have the most Instrument Rated Pilot jobs?

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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.

Sr Principal Pilot - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Edwards, CA • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Northrop Grumman Corporationexternal

$156K - $234K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 547 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Senior Principal Pilot - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test and Engineering organization Flight Test Department. This position will be based in Edwards AFB, CA.
Put your flight test experience to work driving UAV test execution through key engineering milestones (TIMs, PDR/CDR, and FRR). You'll remotely pilot during experimental and engineering test events, lead disciplined briefs/debriefs, and work side-by-side with maintenance and engineering to close vehicle discrepancies and refine test documentation.
Essential Functions:
  • Remotely pilots vehicle to determine compliance with specification and operational suitability during experimental/ engineering/ ground and flight test events; demonstration support through specifically prescribed tests and maneuvers.
  • Defines, plans, organizes and executes complex flight programs and flight test events.
  • Conducts briefings and debriefings, and coordinates with maintenance personnel to analyze and correct vehicle discrepancies.
  • Support engineering with development of test plans, procedures, and test cards.
  • Attend Air Vehicle and Mission System Technical Interchange Meetings, Preliminary Design Reviews, Critical Design Reviews, and Flight Readiness Reviews.
  • Candidate may conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials or other personnel to exhibit vehicle performance, flying qualities and system capabilities.

We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Must have a Bachelor's of Science degree AND 8 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Master's degree AND 6 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Ph.D. AND 4 years of related professional/military experience.
  • Position requires experience in flight test operations
  • Must be FAA Commercial Multi & Single Engine instrument rated pilot (or military equivalent) plus current FAA Class II Medical or higher.
  • Minimum of 500 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command and able to maintain instrument currency in manned aircraft
  • Must be able to work the occasional odd shift (Nights and Weekends)
  • Must be willing to obtain and maintain the appropriate medical clearance(s), as defined per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment.
  • Must be willing to obtain and maintain all training qualifications, as needed per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment.
  • Must have an active US Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain subsequent SAP PARs following commencement of employment to be able to completely support statement of work.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Flight test experience
  • Military flight experience highly desirable
  • Previous experience operating UAVs
  • Aviation instructor experience also highly desired
  • Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.

Primary Level Salary Range: $156,400.00 - $234,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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