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Mission Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$76K/yr

Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 750 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series. GS-2181 ...

$76K/yr

Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 750 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series. GS-2181 ...

$76K/yr

Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 750 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series. GS-2181 ...

$76K/yr

Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 750 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series. GS-2181 ...

$76K/yr

Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 750 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series. GS-2181 ...

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do mission pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for mission 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 Mission Pilot job?

A Mission Pilot is responsible for flying aircraft to support specialized operations, such as search and rescue, medical evacuations, disaster relief, or military and law enforcement missions. They often operate in challenging environments and may be required to navigate difficult weather conditions. Mission Pilots must have extensive flight training, a commercial or military pilot license, and a strong understanding of aviation protocols. Depending on the organization, they may also need additional certifications or experience in specific aircraft types.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Mission Pilot position, and why are they important?

A Mission Pilot must demonstrate expert aviation skills, a thorough understanding of flight operations, and typically hold a commercial pilot’s license or higher with relevant ratings. Familiarity with mission-specific equipment, advanced avionics, GPS navigation systems, and applicable safety protocols is essential. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, teamwork, and clear communication are important soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital to ensuring safe, effective mission execution and successful coordination with ground and air crews.

What are the typical challenges a Mission Pilot faces during flight missions?

Mission Pilots often contend with complex variables such as rapidly changing weather, unfamiliar terrain, and time-sensitive objectives, all of which require quick thinking and adaptability. They may also need to coordinate closely with ground teams, manage specialized equipment, and update mission plans in real-time. The job often involves long or irregular hours, and flights can occur in remote or high-pressure environments, depending on the organization’s mission. These challenges demand not only technical proficiency but also resilience and strong collaboration skills to achieve successful outcomes.

More about Mission Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Mission Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Mission Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mission Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Mission Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Mission Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Mission Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Mission Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mission Pilot jobs are:
Infographic showing various Mission Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot

Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Dover Air Force Base, DE • On-site

$76K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 518 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Your application will remain active through the open period of this Public Notice. Once this Public Notice closes, you must reapply.
Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.

Positions may be filled as permanent or term with a full-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location, please click here to review pay tables.Qualifications:QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot):
Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 750 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-13 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot):
Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,000 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-13 (Flight Instructor):
Applicant must possess two years of progressively responsible experience in a flying component of the U.S. military establishment in assignments that normally would qualify for progression into the position of Wing Operations and Training Officer or its equivalent.
AND
Must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,200 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-14 (Flight Instructor):
Applicant must possess three years of progressively responsible experience in a flying component of the U.S. military establishment in assignments that normally would qualify for progression into the position of Wing Operations and Training Officer or its equivalent.
AND
Must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,500 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
NOTE: Pilot hours as described above may include (Primary, Secondary, Instructor, Evaluator, Stimulator, Student and other US Military and Foreign Military Time) in mission design series of organization of position being filled. You must submit an ATAFR-209 Form, Flying History Report or any official document what shows your most recent flight (last date actively flown), total flight hours and type of aircraft flown. FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING.
These are Air Reserve Technician (ART) positions. ARTs are eligible for 15 days active duty tour each year for which military leave is granted with full civilian pay. Air Reserve units and members; are subject to immediate call to active duty in mobilization to meet a national emergency. For additional information regarding ART positions and/or military qualifications, please call 1-800-257-1212. Retired military are usually ineligible for membership in the AF Reserve. Retired military that have active AF Reserve assignments may apply provided they show assignment (position) on the application.
A military service member's statement of service/certification will be accepted IF a terminal leave form or DD214 cannot be provided. The statement/certification should indicate member's separation from active duty is within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate when your terminal leave will begin, your rank, dates of active duty service, the type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable). Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if member is on terminal leave.
Individuals selected for ART positions must meet both civilian qualifications and uniformed military requirements. In addition to meeting civilian qualifications, applicants must obtain military membership in the Air Force Reserve, wear the uniform, maintain job-specific military specialty requirements, and meet other military qualifications such as age, height, weight, and physical fitness standards. For more information click here and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
AFR Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC):
Email: hqafrc.a3rb.pilotconciergecell@us.af.mil
Global: A3/ReservePCC
Teams Page: Reserve PCC
Teams Chat: @ReservePCC
Sharepoint: https://www.milrecruiter.com/afrc-pcc/
Phone: (478) 327-1546
Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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