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National Guard Pilot Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Coast Guard Master's license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater. * Transportation Worker ... national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability ...

Coast Guard Master's license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater. * Transportation Worker ... national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability ...

LVC Planner SME

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$66K - $79K/yr

... Moines Air National Guard Base in Des Moines, Iowa. Why This Role Matters This role plays a ... pilot with operational air-to-air experience Must be a U.S. citizen Current or active DoD Secret ...

... Moines Air National Guard Base in Des Moines, Iowa. Why This Role Matters This role plays a ... Air-to-air fighter aircraft instructor pilot with operational air-to-air experience * Must be a U.S ...

LVC Planner SME

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

... Moines Air National Guard Base in Des Moines, Iowa. Why This Role Matters This role plays a ... Air-to-air fighter aircraft instructor pilot with operational air-to-air experience * Must have ...

Our Mates are experienced mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and ... Coast Guard Mate's license: minimum 100T, desired license 1600T. * Transportation Worker ...

Standing piloting watches under instruction of Captain or Mate. * Assisting Engine Room Attendant ... S. Coast Guard Master's license: Masters 100T. * Transportation Worker Identification Credential ...

Standing piloting watches under instruction of Captain or Mate. * Assisting Engine Room Attendant ... S. Coast Guard Master's license: Masters 100T. * Transportation Worker Identification Credential ...

National Guard Pilot information

See Iowa salary details

$46.5K

$123K

$188.8K

How much do national guard pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for national guard pilot in Iowa is $122,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,900.00 and $145,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a National Guard pilot?

National Guard pilots are highly trained military aviators who serve part-time in the Air National Guard or Army National Guard, flying aircraft such as fighter jets, helicopters, or transport planes. In addition to their flying duties, they often participate in training exercises, disaster response, and homeland defense missions. Many National Guard pilots also maintain civilian careers, balancing their service commitments with their personal and professional lives. They play a critical role in both state and federal missions, supporting local communities and national security.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a National Guard pilot?

To thrive as a National Guard Pilot, you need a strong background in aviation, excellent hand-eye coordination, and completion of military flight training, along with a bachelor's degree and officer commissioning. Familiarity with advanced avionics, navigation systems, and aircraft-specific simulators is essential, as is maintaining required flight certifications and medical clearances. Leadership, adaptability, and clear communication are standout soft skills for managing high-pressure missions and working effectively within a team. These abilities are vital to ensure mission success, safety, and seamless coordination during both routine and emergency operations.

What are some unique challenges National Guard pilots face compared to civilian pilots?

National Guard Pilots often balance their military responsibilities with civilian careers, which can lead to unique scheduling and time-management challenges. They may be called upon for sudden deployments or emergency missions, requiring adaptability and readiness to shift priorities quickly. Additionally, National Guard Pilots frequently operate in diverse environments, from domestic disaster relief to overseas operations, which demands a high level of flexibility and resilience. The need to maintain proficiency in both military and, often, civilian flight operations also requires ongoing training and commitment.

What is the difference between National Guard Pilot vs Army Pilot?

AspectNational Guard PilotArmy Pilot
Required CertificationsFAA pilot license, military flight trainingFAA pilot license, military flight training
Work EnvironmentNational Guard bases, military aircraftArmy bases, military aircraft
Employer & IndustryU.S. National Guard, military aviationU.S. Army, military aviation

Both roles require similar certifications and military flight training, with work environments centered around military bases. The main difference lies in their employer and operational focus: National Guard Pilots serve part-time in the National Guard, often balancing civilian careers, while Army Pilots are full-time military personnel within the U.S. Army. Understanding these distinctions helps aspiring pilots choose the right career path in military aviation.

Can you be a pilot for the National Guard?

Yes, the National Guard employs pilots who typically hold a private pilot license or higher, along with military flight training and specialized certifications. Candidates must meet age, education, physical, and security clearance requirements, and often serve part-time while maintaining civilian careers or education. Flight hours, technical skills, and physical fitness are essential for this role.

How much do National Guard pilots get paid?

National Guard pilots are typically paid based on their rank, experience, and flight hours, with salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $100,000 annually. They also receive additional benefits such as allowances, bonuses, and retirement options, and must meet specific training and certification requirements. Pay can vary depending on duty status and deployment circumstances.

Is it hard to become a National Guard pilot?

Becoming a National Guard pilot requires meeting strict eligibility criteria, completing a rigorous training program, and obtaining necessary certifications such as a private pilot license and military flight training. Candidates must also pass physical and background checks, and often have prior military or aviation experience, making the process competitive and demanding.

What do National Guard pilots do?

National Guard pilots operate aircraft such as helicopters and fixed-wing planes to perform missions including transportation, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and disaster response. They undergo specialized training, hold pilot certifications, and often serve part-time while supporting both military and emergency operations.

What are popular job titles related to National Guard Pilot jobs in Iowa?

For National Guard Pilot jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching National Guard Pilot jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for National Guard Pilot jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for National Guard Pilot jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most National Guard Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various National Guard Pilot job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,965 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

$110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


United States Army rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 495 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

IOWA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD - TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION
This position is restricted to current Military members of the Iowa Army National Guard.
LOCATION: B CO 1/171 AV RGT, Davenport, IAQualifications:In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Applicants who do not fully address the minimum/specialized experience needed for the position in their resume will not be referred for consideration. Your resume must contain your own words. Resumes that are verbatim, from this announcement, any PD's, or any other applicants will not be considered.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Must have a competent understanding of the occupation's basic principles and concepts. Applicants should have a minimum of one year on-the-job experience in the grade (or a comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level.
Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: GS-2181-12: Must have experience in the following:
  • Must have at least two years specialized competencies in operating a specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, and mission preparation
  • Experiences in civilian aviation programs; or, in military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or, in the Army National Guard Aviation Support facilities; or, in Air National Guard Wing/ Operations Groups.
  • Experienced in reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information.
  • Experienced in filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings.
  • Experienced in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments.
  • Experienced in performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance.
  • Knowledge is required in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures.
  • Experienced in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs
Education:Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.
Must have a high school diploma or general education development (GED) diploma. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is optimum.
To receive credit for education, you must provide college transcripts to support your educational claims.Employment Type: OTHER

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National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

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