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Lead Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fixed Wing Pilot

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$119K - $136K/yr

Pilot shift assignments consist of either a day duty period or a night duty period and are scheduled the month prior by the Base Lead Pilot to provide pilots sufficient opportunity to prepare their ...

Pilot- 14x14- Houma, LA

Houma, LA · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Complies with other duties and assignments as determined by the Lead Pilot / Operations Manager. **MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS*** Applicants applying for this position are required to meet the minimum ...

Complies with other duties and assignments as determined by the Lead Pilot / Operations Manager. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * Applicants applying for this position are required to meet the minimum ...

Complies with other duties and assignments as determined by the Lead Pilot / Operations Manager. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * Applicants applying for this position are required to meet the minimum ...

Reporting directly to the Chief Pilot or Lead Pilot Responsible for the safe conduct of flights to which assigned Has the final authority in the operation of the aircraft PICs must ensure compliance ...

The Pilot-Plant Manager position's primary purpose is to lead pilot-scale food processing, integrating engineering expertise with applied research to develop scalable solutions, to oversee equipment ...

Helicopter Pilot

Detroit, MI · On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

Reporting directly to the Chief Pilot or Lead Pilot Responsible for the safe conduct of flights to which assigned Has the final authority in the operation of the aircraft PICs must ensure compliance ...

Reporting directly to the Chief Pilot or Lead Pilot Responsible for the safe conduct of flights to which assigned Has the final authority in the operation of the aircraft PICs must ensure compliance ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Pilot information

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$60.5K

$123.8K

$175K

How much do lead pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead pilot in the United States is $123,849.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $153,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Lead Pilots face when managing a flight crew, and how can they effectively address them?

Lead Pilots are responsible for not only flying the aircraft, but also managing and coordinating the flight crew to ensure smooth operations. Common challenges include balancing crew schedules, addressing interpersonal conflicts, and maintaining high communication standards during flights. Effective Lead Pilots foster a collaborative environment by encouraging open communication, providing clear instructions, and addressing concerns proactively. They also stay adaptable to changes in flight plans or unexpected situations, ensuring the team remains focused and safety-oriented.

What are Lead Pilots?

Lead Pilots are experienced aviators responsible for overseeing flight operations and ensuring the safety and efficiency of flights. They often supervise other pilots, coordinate flight plans, and serve as the primary point of contact between the flight crew and ground operations. In addition to flying, Lead Pilots handle administrative duties, training, and compliance with aviation regulations. Their role is crucial in maintaining high standards of safety and operational excellence within an aviation team.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as airline pilots, especially lead pilots or senior captains, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and benefits. Other executive positions like CEOs or specialized surgeons may also reach this level, but these typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

Is there still a pilot shortage in 2026?

The pilot shortage has been a significant industry concern, driven by increased travel demand and a retiring pilot workforce. While some regions and sectors may experience shortages, airlines are actively recruiting and offering training programs, making opportunities for qualified pilots, including lead pilots, more available than in previous years.

What pilots make $500,000 a year?

Pilots such as airline captains for major carriers, especially those flying long-haul international routes, can earn $500,000 or more annually with experience, seniority, and additional pay components like bonuses and per diems. Corporate and private jet pilots with extensive experience and high-profile clients may also reach or exceed this income level, often requiring advanced certifications and a strong safety record.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Pilot, you need an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, extensive flight experience, and in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations and procedures. Mastery of flight management systems, avionics, and familiarity with specific aircraft types—often supported by type ratings and recurrent training—are essential. Exceptional leadership, decision-making ability, and strong communication skills help manage crew and ensure safe operations. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining safety, regulatory compliance, and effective crew coordination during complex flight operations.

Do pilots make $400 an hour?

Lead pilots, especially those flying private jets or corporate aircraft, can earn around $400 per hour or more, depending on experience, aircraft type, and employer. However, many commercial airline pilots typically earn less per hour, with salaries often ranging from $100 to $200 per hour, and total compensation influenced by flight hours, seniority, and benefits.

What is the difference between Lead Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectLead PilotCommercial Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), additional leadership trainingCommercial Pilot License (CPL), specific aircraft ratings
Work EnvironmentLeading flight teams, managing flight operationsFlying for hire, transporting passengers or cargo
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, charter companies, flight trainingCharter services, cargo carriers, aerial work

Lead Pilots typically hold a Commercial Pilot License and take on leadership roles overseeing flight crews and operations. Commercial Pilots focus on flying aircraft for hire, performing specific flight duties. While both roles require similar certifications, Lead Pilots emphasize leadership and management, whereas Commercial Pilots concentrate on flying skills and operational tasks.

What states have the most Lead Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lead Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Pilot jobs are:
Infographic showing various Lead Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,849 per year, or $59.5 per hour.
Fixed Wing Pilot

$119K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Global Medical Response rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

532nd of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Position: Fixed Wing Pilot 

Location: Birmingham, AL

Airframe: Cessna Citation 550 Bravo

Schedule: 14 Days On 14 Days Off

Annual Salary Range: $119,073.78 - $136,084.32

  • Annual scaled salary increases based on merit to a maximum of 166,703.29.
  • 15,000 Sign-On Bonus (Must Complete Training and Check Ride). 
  • 40,000 Retention Bonus (There is a 6 Month Waiting period and This is a 3 Year Program).
  • Up to 5,000 in Relocation Assistance.

The Pilot in Command is designated as the PIC for a flight or series of flights in accordance to the principles and procedures as required by FAR Part 135. The PIC is responsible for the safe conduct of flights to which he or she is assigned. The PIC is the final authority in the operation of the aircraft and exercises Operational Control on the Tier 2 level as described in Chapter 5 of the General Operations Manual. The PIC supervises the functions of any other assigned crew member during flight as required. The PIC must meet minimum qualifications as specified by Federal Aviation Regulation Part 135.243(b).

Pilot schedules are a rotating 14 days on followed by 14 days off duty assignment. While on duty, pilots serve a 12-hour shift (maximum of 14 hours if operating under Part 135) from home and must meet the program’s required report call-out time in accordance with the initial notification of a trip. Pilot shift assignments consist of either a day duty period or a night duty period and are scheduled the month prior by the Base Lead Pilot to provide pilots sufficient opportunity to prepare their rest cycle. Pilots can expect to serve the same duty period during their assigned shift assignment. Changes to duty periods within a pilot’s shift assignment are discouraged but can occur depending on local needs at the Base.

 

Minimum Required Qualifications

  • Must reside in, or be willing to relocate to Birmingham, AL.
  • Must have or be able to attain a CE-550B PIC type rating.
  • Previous medevac and/or cargo experience preferred. 
  • Hold, or be eligible to hold, an unrestricted FAA ATP Certificate.
  • 3000 Airplane Total Time Hours.
  • 500 Airplane Multi-Engine Land Hours.
  • 1500 PIC Airplane Hours.
  • Must hold or be able to attain a First-Class Medical Certificate.
  • Must be able to maintain First Class Privileges.
  • Must hold valid US Passport.

Education:

  • Minimum of a High School Diploma, GED equivalent, or higher. 

Responsibilities:

  • Complies with the duties and responsibilities contained within AirMed International general operating manual.
  • Ensures the aircraft is ready for mission in coordination with AirMed's global operations center.
  • Complies with all applicable FARs and OpSpecs.
  • Ensures that all pertinent information about flight operations will be disseminated through the operational control structure.
  • Conducts themselves in a professional manner to include being sensitive to the environment they are in at all times.
  • Attends meetings when required and may be required to attend training and check-flights outside of normal duty shift rotations.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by Director of Operations or Chief Pilot.

 

Working Conditions: 

  • Required to work in outside weather conditions. 
  • Must be able to work night, day, and overnight shifts as assigned.
  • May need to ‘participate’ in de-icing the plane, towing the aircraft, maneuvering in and out of the hangar, and all pre-flight preparations prior to flight.
  • Travel required for training events or maintenance assignment

 

Physical Demands:

  • Must be able to stand, walk, climb, bend, balance, sit, crouch, kneel, or crawl unassisted for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to transport themselves to and from work
  • May assist with loading patients, lift and/or move up to 150 pounds cumulative with assistance.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

 

Position Reports to:

  • The Base Lead Pilot.
  • The Chief Pilot.
  • The Director of Operations.

Why Choose AirMed? As a leading provider of air medical transportation services, AirMed is one of Global Medical Response’s (GMR) family of solutions. Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services. View the stories on how our employees provide care to the world at www.AtaMomentsNotice.com. 

GMR’s Core Behaviors—keep care at the center, raise your hand, seek to understand, find a way together and be accountable—unite our teams and set us apart in emergency medical services. 


EEO Statement

Global Medical Response and its family of companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes supporting veterans and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with a disability.

Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more about our benefit options.

R0054355Qualifications:

Global Medical Response and its family of companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes supporting veterans and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with a disability.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Global Medical Response

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our mission of providing care to the world at a moment's notice is at the heart of everything we do. We are caregivers, first and foremost and we will be there when you need us. With more than 38,000 employees, Global Medical Response teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services around the world. We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated health-care solutions and disaster response.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Greenwood Village, CO, US

Year founded

2018