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Naval Aviation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye ...

NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER In this role, you're the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye ...

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Naval Aviation information

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$19.5K

$94.3K

$143K

How much do naval aviation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for naval aviation in the United States is $94,251.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do naval aviators make good money?

Naval aviators typically earn competitive salaries that include base pay, flight pay, and allowances for deployment and hazardous duty. Their compensation increases with rank, experience, and years of service, and they also receive benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans. Overall, naval aviators are well-compensated compared to many other military roles.

Can you do aviation in the Navy?

Naval aviation is a specialized career field within the Navy that involves operating aircraft from ships and land-based facilities. It requires completing rigorous training, obtaining necessary certifications, and meeting physical and educational requirements. Naval aviators typically serve in roles such as pilots, aircrew, or maintenance personnel, working in a dynamic maritime environment.

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

To thrive in Naval Aviation, strong aeronautical knowledge, physical fitness, and technical aptitude are essential, often supported by a bachelor's degree and completion of rigorous military flight training. Familiarity with advanced navigation systems, mission planning software, and military flight certifications are commonly required. Exceptional teamwork, situational awareness, and decision-making skills help candidates excel in high-pressure environments. These skills ensure mission readiness, safety, and effective operations both in the air and as part of a broader military team.

What aviation jobs are in the Navy?

Navy aviation jobs include roles such as Naval Aviator, Naval Aircrewman, Naval Flight Officer, and Aviation Maintenance Technician. These positions involve flying aircraft, maintaining aircraft systems, and supporting flight operations, often requiring specialized training and security clearances.

What can I expect from a typical career path in Naval Aviation?

A career in Naval Aviation often begins with officer training and flight school, followed by specialized training on specific aircraft. You may start as a junior pilot or flight officer and, over time, progress to roles with greater leadership responsibility such as flight lead, mission commander, or squadron executive officer. Advancement often depends on demonstrated flight proficiency, leadership ability, and successful completion of ongoing qualifications. Naval aviators frequently collaborate with engineers, maintenance personnel, and other military officers to ensure aircraft readiness and mission success. Long-term, you may have opportunities to specialize, instruct, or move into strategic or command-level positions within the Navy.

What is a Naval Aviation job?

A Naval Aviation job involves operating and supporting aircraft in naval operations, both at sea and on land. Roles include pilots, flight officers, maintenance crews, and air traffic controllers, all working together to ensure mission success. These professionals are responsible for reconnaissance, combat, search and rescue, and logistical support. Training is rigorous and includes specialized instruction in aviation, navigation, and military operations. Naval aviators play a crucial role in maintaining national security and supporting maritime missions worldwide.

What is the top gun in real life?

In real life, the equivalent of a Top Gun is the United States Navy's Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, known as TOPGUN. It is a highly selective training program for Navy fighter pilots to develop advanced combat skills and tactics. Graduates are considered expert pilots and often serve as instructors or leaders within naval aviation units.
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Naval Aviator (Pilot/NFO) - AL & GA

Naval Aviator (Pilot/NFO) - AL & GA

U.S. Navy

Birmingham, AL

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Pilots aren’t the only Officers behind our aircraft. Naval Flight Officers are the navigators, the lookouts and the weapon operators inside naval aviation. Whether you’re hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye through enemy territory or dropping bombs from the backseat of an F-18 fighter jet—it’s your skills that make the mission possible.

Naval Flight Officers (NFOs) are an important component in an exclusive, world-class group of Officers. This job will require you to perform at the best of your ability in your aircraft at all times. Making use of your advanced training and unparalleled knowledge to provide the utmost safety and security in the world’s skies. As an NFO, your responsibilities include:

  • Studying aerodynamics, aircraft engine systems, meteorology, navigation, flight planning and flight safety
  • Training and specializing in EA-18G Growler electronic countermeasures aircraft, E-2C Hawkeye early warning and control aircraft or the new P-8A Poseidon antisubmarine aircraft
  • Electronically detecting and tracking ships, submarines, aircraft and missiles

As a Naval Flight Officer, missions and assignments can be anywhere around the globe. This includes working from carrier battle groups, or other sea-based platforms, and at Naval Air Stations or other locations on shore.

Those pursuing a Naval Flight Officer role must first attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI, and then complete a six-week air indoctrination course at Naval Aviation Schools Command, in Pensacola, FL. From there, prospective NFOs attend primary flight training.

NFO candidates then request an aircraft pipeline and enter the intermediate phase of flight training, which builds upon basic flight and navigation training. The final phase is advanced naval flight training, focusing on mission specifics. After completion, candidates are awarded their “wings of gold” and report to their respective Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRSs) for further training specific to their aircraft.

Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance.

Post-Service Opportunities

Specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields in the civilian sector.

Following your initial flying tour as a Naval Flight Officer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA, where you may be able to earn a master’s or doctoral degree while being paid full-time.

Opportunities for further education within this platform include:

  • Navy College Program
  • VOLED Assistance Center
  • VOLED Region Advisors
  • The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
  • Navy War College (NWC)
  • USAF Air University Air Command and Staff College

Currently, this position in the Navy Reserve is open only to prior or current military aviators.

Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling,Naval Flight Officers in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.

For annual training, Naval Flight Officers may serve anywhere in the world, whether on a ship at sea or at bases and installations on shore.

Take a moment to learn more about the general roles and responsibilities of Navy Reserve Sailors.

Most of what you do in the Navy Reserve is considered training. The basic Navy Reserve commitment involves training a minimum of one weekend a month (referred to as drilling) and two weeks a year (referred to as Annual Training) – or the equivalent of that.

NFOs in the Navy Reserve serve in an Officer role. Your prior experience as an Officer satisfies the initial leadership training requirement – so you will not need to go through Officer Training again.


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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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