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Military Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DRG

F-35 CONTRACT INSTRUCTOR PILOT

Lemoore, CA · On-site

$75 - $90/hr

Supports military pilot training in the F-35 Full Mission Simulator and academic classroom environment. Contract Instructor will facilitate pilot training in the F-35 Full Mission Simulator using the ...

Shield AI

Standardization Pilot (R4736)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

Are you a motivated, energetic, and ambitious elite former military pilot looking to work on the cutting edge of military aviation? Are you interested in helping to build the world's best AI pilot?

Shield AI

Standardization Pilot (R4736)

Dallas, TX

$130K - $200K/yr

Are you a motivated, energetic, and ambitious elite former military pilot looking to work on the cutting edge of military aviation? Are you interested in helping to build the world's best AI pilot?

Shield AI

Standardization Pilot (R4736)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

Are you a motivated, energetic, and ambitious elite former military pilot looking to work on the cutting edge of military aviation? Are you interested in helping to build the world's best AI pilot?

DRG

FIGHTER PILOT

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

Prior experience in delivering Military Pilot Academic and Simulator Training in fourth and/or fifth generation tactical fighter aircraft * Experience with advanced sensor systems such as NVS ...

Sierra Nevada Corporation

NY · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Ability to pass a FAA/Military Pilot Background Check and mandatory drug and alcohol screen.* Note: PIC for this purpose is defined as Captain/Aircraft Commander of record, not simply the sole ...

KBR

$95K - $143K/yr

Title: RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex ... Certain military UAS may also apply. * Clearance & Citizenship: Secret Clearance or ability to ...

KBR

RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot

Lexington Park, MD

$95K - $143K/yr

Title: RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex ... Certain military UAS may also apply. * Clearance & Citizenship: Secret Clearance or ability to ...

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Military Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do military pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for military 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 military pilot?

A Military Pilot operates aircraft for defense and combat missions, reconnaissance, transport, or search and rescue. They are trained to fly jets, helicopters, or transport planes while executing mission objectives under high-pressure conditions. Military Pilots undergo rigorous training, including flight school and survival training, to develop their skills. They play a critical role in national security, often requiring quick decision-making and teamwork.

What does a typical career path look like for a military pilot?

A Military Pilot often starts as a junior officer after completing rigorous flight school and initial aircraft qualification. With time and experience, pilots may progress to advanced aircraft assignments, instructor positions, or take on leadership roles such as flight commander or operations officer. Career advancement can include attending specialized training schools, participating in joint exercises, or moving into staff and planning roles within the military hierarchy. Continuous education and demonstrated leadership can open pathways to senior command positions or advanced technical specialties. This role offers a structured path with increasing levels of responsibility, skill development, and opportunities to contribute to mission planning and execution.

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

To excel as a Military Pilot, you need strong aeronautical knowledge, physical fitness, and completion of specialized military flight training and certification. Familiarity with advanced avionics systems, navigation technology, and weapons platforms is essential. Excellent decision-making, composure under pressure, and effective communication are critical soft skills in this role. These capabilities are vital for ensuring mission success, operational safety, and efficient teamwork in dynamic and high-stakes environments.

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What states have the most Military Pilot jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Military Pilot jobs look for?

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Military Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Military Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

UAS Test Pilot

Remote Imagery Technologies

North Las Vegas, NV

Full-time

Re-posted 8 hours ago

Job description

We are seeking an RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot - UAS External Pilot (Manual LOS Flight) to conduct manual, line-of-sight (LOS) flight operations for Group 1,2,&3 unmanned aircraft systems in both testing and in operational environments. This role emphasizes hands-on stick-and-rudder flying, including manual takeoffs, pattern work, and landings, rather than automated or waypoint-based mission execution. The ideal candidate is comfortable controlling fixed-wing or small UAS from an external vantage point using traditional RC-style transmitters or manual ground control interfaces, with a strong ability to maintain orientation, manage energy, and execute stable approaches in varying conditions.

Unlike many modern UAS roles, this position requires direct manual control of the aircraft rather than reliance on GPS waypoint navigation or automated flight modes. Candidates with radio control (RC), giant-scale model aircraft, aerobatic, or other manual flight backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Roles & Responsibilities: Operate Group 1-2-3 UAS and/or RC equivalent aircraft utilizing a transmitter/control box/tablet generally within line of sight of the air vehicle to meet daily test objectives.

Execute ground launch and recovery activities, including support equipment setup, aircraft staging, and post-flight safety actions when not actively controlling an aircraft. Basic Qualifications: Education: High School Graduate. Experience: Experience flying remote-controlled fixed-wing aircraft and/or multirotor aircraft (hobby, club, competitive, or professional).

Certain military UAS may also apply. Clearance & Citizenship: Secret Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain. Must be a U.S

citizen. Travel: Must be willing and able to travel inside an outside the continental United States. Certifications/Designations Required: Must be able to obtain and maintain an FAA Second-Class Medical Certificate.Preferred Qualifications: An Associate's degree or higher in a UAS, aviation, or engineering-related field is highly desired

Formal education or experience in test and evaluation is highly desired. 500 hours operating Group 1 and 2 UAS or equivalent-sized model aircraft is desired. Two years of RDT&E flight test experience is desired.

Demonstrated familiarity with autopilot systems (e.g., Pixhawk or similar), Ground Control Stations (Arduplane) (Mission Planner), and UAS integration and modification is highly desired. Designation as an FAA Certificated Pilot or Military Pilot/UAS Air Vehicle Pilot by the U.S. Armed Forces is desired

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is desired. Applicant selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.Preferred Qualifications: An Associate's degree or higher in a UAS, aviation, or engineering-related field is highly desired. Formal education or experience in test and evaluation is highly desired

500 hours operating Group 1 and 2 UAS or equivalent-sized model aircraft is desired. Two years of RDT&E flight test experience is desired. Demonstrated familiarity with autopilot systems (e.g., Pixhawk or similar), Ground Control Stations (Arduplane) (Mission Planner), and UAS integration and modification is highly desired

Designation as an FAA Certificated Pilot or Military Pilot/UAS Air Vehicle Pilot by the U.S. Armed Forces is desired. FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is desired

Applicant selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

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