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Military Fighter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DoD military Instructor Pilot qualification * Mission Commander qualification * Military or ... Active fighter flying (for each fighter type, provide total hours, date of last sortie) * Actively ...

DoD Military Instructor Pilot qualification. * Mission Commander qualification. * Military or ... Active fighter flying (for each fighter type, provide total hours, date of last sortie). * Actively ...

DoD military Instructor Pilot qualification * Mission Commander qualification * Military or ... Active fighter flying (for each fighter type, provide total hours, date of last sortie) * Actively ...

A flight operations company is seeking an experienced fighter pilot to fly the Dassault Mirage F-1 ... This full-time role based in Cherry Point involves coordination with military exercises and may ...

DoD military Instructor Pilot qualification * Mission Commander qualification * Military or ... Active fighter flying (for each fighter type, provide total hours, date of last sortie) * Actively ...

... a military tactical aircraft 500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD-owned/operated fighter aircraft Qualifications Desired Qualifications USAF WIC graduate, USAF adversary ...

A defense contractor is seeking a Fighter Pilot to fly the Dassault Mirage F-1 at Cherry Point, NC ... This position provides opportunities for military veterans and includes various benefits, such as ...

Pilot

Kinston, NC · On-site

We are looking for experienced, dedicated Fighter Pilots to operate the largest fleet of commercial tactical military fighter jets as we challenge today's warriors for tomorrow's fight. If you're ...

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Military Fighter Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do military fighter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for military fighter 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.

How to make $500,000 a year as a pilot?

Military fighter pilots typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in private aviation, executive jet flying, or airline captain roles, which require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and often involve flying large, high-value aircraft. Achieving this income level may involve transitioning to corporate or private jet companies, gaining seniority, and developing specialized skills in high-demand aircraft. Military pilots focus on service and career progression rather than high salaries, so supplementing military experience with private sector opportunities is often necessary for higher earnings.

What is the $600000 bonus for the Air Force?

The $600,000 bonus for Air Force fighter pilots is a retention incentive offered to experienced pilots to encourage them to remain in service. This bonus is part of the Air Force's efforts to address pilot shortages and is typically awarded after completing certain service commitments and meeting specific qualifications. It is paid in installments over several years and is subject to eligibility criteria and contractual obligations.

What are some unique challenges military fighter pilots face during training and day-to-day operations?

Military fighter pilots encounter a range of unique challenges, including rigorous physical and mental demands during both training and missions. Pilots must master complex aircraft systems, maintain peak situational awareness, and make split-second decisions under pressure. Day-to-day operations often require long hours, frequent travel or deployments, and adapting to rapidly changing mission requirements. Additionally, fighter pilots work closely with other pilots, ground crews, and mission planners, making strong communication and teamwork skills essential for mission success.

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

To thrive as a Military Fighter Pilot, you need exceptional spatial awareness, quick decision-making, physical fitness, and typically a bachelor’s degree along with completion of rigorous military flight training. Mastery of advanced avionics, flight simulators, radar systems, and adherence to military certifications such as a pilot’s wings are essential. Outstanding communication, composure under pressure, and teamwork set top pilots apart. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure mission success, operational safety, and effective collaboration in high-stakes environments.

What are military fighter pilots?

Military fighter pilots are highly trained members of the armed forces who operate advanced fighter aircraft to carry out air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Their main responsibilities include defending airspace, engaging enemy targets, and supporting ground troops during combat operations. Becoming a fighter pilot requires rigorous physical and mental training, including flight school and specialized military instruction. These pilots must possess strong decision-making skills, situational awareness, and the ability to perform under intense pressure.

What is the difference between Military Fighter Pilot vs Commercial Airline Pilot?

AspectMilitary Fighter PilotCommercial Airline Pilot
Required CredentialsMilitary pilot training, specialized flight school, military pilot certificationCommercial pilot license (CPL), airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, combat zones, training facilitiesAirline cockpits, airports, passenger cabins
Industry UsageMilitary defense, combat missions, national securityPassenger transportation, cargo flights, airline operations

Military Fighter Pilots and Commercial Airline Pilots both operate aircraft, but differ significantly in credentials, work environment, and industry focus. Military pilots undergo rigorous military training and serve in defense roles, while airline pilots focus on commercial passenger and cargo flights with civilian certifications.

How do you become a fighter pilot in the military?

To become a military fighter pilot, candidates typically need to meet age, education, and physical requirements, complete a bachelor's degree, and pass a series of tests including medical and aptitude exams. They must then attend officer training and flight school, where they learn aviation skills and combat tactics before qualifying as a fighter pilot.

Who has the most dogfight kills?

The fighter pilot with the most confirmed aerial kills is Soviet ace Ivan Konyuhov, credited with 56 kills during World War II. In modern times, the record for the most dogfight kills is held by Vietnamese pilot Nguyen Van Bay, with 9 confirmed kills during the Vietnam War. Achieving high kill counts requires exceptional flying skills, combat training, and experience in aerial combat environments.
More about Military Fighter Pilot jobs
What states have the most Military Fighter Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Military Fighter Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Military Fighter Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Military Fighter Pilot jobs are:
Infographic showing various Military Fighter Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% As Needed, and 82% Full Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

$86K - $107K/yr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Fighter Pilot - ATAC (Job Number: 315900)

Who We Are
Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems.

This role is in Textron System’s Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) business area. Visit TextronSystems.com & Lycoming.com to read more about who we are and the products we make!

About ATAC
Textron Systems - ATAC provides tactical flight training and Adversary, Red Air and Aggressor services to the U.S. Navy, Marines and the US Air Force. ATAC operates simultaneously across eight permanent sites spanning the CONUS, Hawaii and the Pacific. ATAC proudly provides the highest quality live training to 4th and 5th Generation aircrew in Squadrons, Air Wings, and Battle Groups conducting unit level continuation training, pre-deployment spin-up training, large force employment training, or aircrew conversion training. ATAC was the first civilian organization to support the USAF’s F-22 Raptors as well as the USN’s and USMC’s F-35 Lightning IIs.

Job Summary
Fly the Dassault Mirage F-1, the IAI F-21 Kfir, the MK-58 Hawker Hunter, or the AERO Vodochody L-39 Albatros, in regular support of US Navy, Marine Corps, and US Air Force training and readiness missions. Fly in support of 4th and 5th Generation Fighter operational and conversion syllabus and continuation training missions. Support surface fleet pre-deployment training and large force employment missions.

Navy Contracts: Conduct flight operations from any of ATAC’s four permanent facilities (Newport News Virginia, Pt Mugu NAS California, Fallon NAS California, Kaneohe Bay MCAS Hawaii), or deployed locations. Deploy as required to locations including but not limited to Key West NAS, Fallon NAS, Beaufort MCAS, Jacksonville NAS, Lemoore NAS, Eglin AFB, Charleston Intl Airport, Jacksonville Intl Airport, Cherry Point MCAS, and various USAF, USN, USMC bases throughout Alaska, Guam, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines.

Air Force Contracts: Conduct flight operations from any of ATAC’s permanent facilities (Eglin AFB, Luke AFB, Alliance FTW) or deployed locations. Deploy as required to various locations.

Job Responsibilities

  • Employ the ATAC fighter aircraft throughout their flight envelope as a surrogate Adversary, Red Air, Aggressor or Close Air Support pilot for US Navy, Marine Corps and USAF aircrew, JTAC, surface fleet, large force employment exercise, or intercept controller training.
  • Maintain FAA instrument currency, Second Class medical certification, adversary mission qualifications and associated mission currencies, to include low level, dynamic mission, and unlimited air combat tactics maneuvering in the high-G environment.
  • Attend mass briefings, adversary coordination briefings and other pre-flight briefings. Plan and fly adversary missions. Accomplish flight debriefings and attend mass debriefings.
  • Adhere to all training rules and pre-briefed maneuvering restrictions.
  • Collect and disseminate lessons learned.
  • Accomplish necessary ground training prior to flights.
  • Deploy as required to support mission requirements.
  • Additional Duties: Act as, or support the individual responsible for, pilot Scheduling, Training, NATOPS/Standards & Evaluation, Safety, or other Program Management duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Previously DoD Tactically Trained Fighter Pilot
  • Previously qualified 4-Ship/Division Flight Lead
  • 700 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD-owned/operated fighter aircraft
  • 100 hours PIC at night
  • Logged 100 hours PIC time in the past 12 months
  • Current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate
  • FAA Commercial, Airplane Single Engine Land Privileges
  • Secret Security Clearance, US Citizen

Specific Navy Contract Qualifications

  • 1000 hours PIC of a military tactical aircraft
  • 500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD-owned/operated fighter aircraft

Specific Air Force Contract Qualifications

  • 1200 hours total PIC of a tactical military aircraft
  • Current in a tactical fighter aircraft within the last 5 years

Desired Qualifications

  • USAF WIC graduate, USAF adversary qualification
  • USNFWS/NAWDC/TOPGUN graduate
  • TPS graduate
  • DoD military Instructor Pilot qualification
  • Mission Commander qualification
  • Military or Civilian Flight Examiner qualification
  • Functional Check Flight Pilot qualification
  • NVG Instructor, CRM Instructor
  • FAA CFI(I) Certificate
  • Familiarization with DoD Commercial Air Services industry
  • FAA Authorized Experimental Aircraft (AEA) privileges (list types)
  • DoD Safety School or Board President Course graduate
  • Squadron Command experience
  • Active fighter flying (for each fighter type, provide total hours, date of last sortie)
  • Actively flying (provide 1-year look-back per active aircraft type)

How We Care
At Textron Systems, our talented people make us successful. We promote an inclusive environment where we value individuality, differences, and unique perspectives.

Our Company is committed to offering employees opportunities to grow and develop. Our benefits and compensation packages are designed to help our talented employees excel and achieve their goals, so they can make a difference every day in and outside of the workplace. Below are just a few examples!

  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Education Assistance
  • Career Development & Training Opportunities
  • Wellness Program (including Fitness Reimbursement)
  • Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(K) with Company Funding
  • Paid Parental Leave

Are you a Military Veteran?
Textron's products and services are trusted everyday by those who protect our country. We are dedicated to hiring these Veterans and aim to translate their skills to make an impact on our Company.

Textron’s compensation package includes competitive base pay and provides eligible employees with benefit programs. Benefits may include health insurance and prescription plan coverage, dental insurance, family building benefits, vision insurance, mental health resources, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and programs that provide employees time away from work. The pay range should be used as a general guide only. Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. In compliance with the local pay transparency law, the pay range for this position is $185,000 - $192,000 per year.

EEO Statement

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements, including US Citizenship, for access to classified information.

Preference given to Veterans of the U. S. Armed Forces.

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