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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Contract Instructor Pilot / Pilot Training / F-35B / Nyutabaru
Orlando, FL · On-site
$148K - $275K/yr
Instructs pilots in Naval Aviation flight procedures and techniques in ground school courses and flight training. Prepares lesson plans. Assists in the preparation of schedules, maintenance of ...
Contract Instructor Pilot / Pilot Training / F-35B / Nyutabaru
Orlando, FL · On-site
$148K - $275K/yr
Instructs pilots in Naval Aviation flight procedures and techniques in ground school courses and flight training. Prepares lesson plans. Assists in the preparation of schedules, maintenance of ...
Contract Instructor Pilot / Pilot Training / F-35B / Nyutabaru
Orlando, FL · On-site
$148K - $275K/yr
F-35B Contractor Instructor Pilot (CIP): This position will be responsible for the execution of ... professional Naval Aviation experience and specialized training commensurate with assignment.
Contract Instructor Pilot / Pilot Training / F-35B / Nyutabaru
Orlando, FL · On-site
$148K - $275K/yr
F-35B Contractor Instructor Pilot (CIP): This position will be responsible for the execution of ... professional Naval Aviation experience and specialized training commensurate with assignment.
Naval Pilot information
See salary details
$49.5K - $63.3K
10% of jobs
$63.3K - $77K
7% of jobs
$77K - $90.8K
3% of jobs
$101.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$90.8K - $104.6K
6% of jobs
$104.6K - $118.4K
7% of jobs
$118.4K - $132.1K
5% of jobs
The median wage is $140.7K / yr.
$132.1K - $145.9K
17% of jobs
$153.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$145.9K - $159.7K
33% of jobs
$159.7K - $173.5K
5% of jobs
$173.5K - $187.2K
3% of jobs
$187.2K - $201K
2% of jobs
$49.5K
$130.9K
$201K
How much do naval pilot jobs pay per year?
As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for naval 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 the difference between Naval Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?
| Aspect | Naval Pilot | Commercial Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Military flight training, military pilot certification | Commercial pilot license (CPL), FAA certification |
| Work Environment | Military ships, naval bases, aircraft carriers | Airlines, charter services, cargo carriers |
| Employer & Industry | Naval forces, defense industry | Commercial airlines, private companies |
Naval pilots and commercial pilots both operate aircraft, but naval pilots serve in the military with specialized training for military missions, while commercial pilots work in the civilian airline industry with a focus on passenger and cargo transport. The credentials, work environment, and employer types differ significantly, reflecting their distinct roles in aviation.
Are there pilot jobs in the Navy?
Yes, the Navy offers pilot jobs for qualified candidates to serve as naval aviators, flying a variety of aircraft including fighters, bombers, and reconnaissance planes. Candidates typically need to meet specific training, education, and physical requirements, and must complete flight training programs to qualify for these roles.
How do you become a naval pilot?
To become a naval pilot, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements, complete officer training such as Officer Candidate School or Naval Academy, and pass a series of physical, medical, and aptitude tests. They then undergo flight training, which includes classroom instruction, simulator training, and flight hours, leading to certification as a naval aviator.
How much does a naval pilot make?
A naval pilot's salary varies based on experience, rank, and years of service, but typically ranges from $70,000 to over $150,000 annually. Military pilots also receive benefits such as housing allowances, healthcare, and retirement plans, and must complete rigorous training and certifications.
What cities are hiring for Naval Pilot jobs?
Cities with the most Naval Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Naval Pilot jobs?
States with the most job openings for Naval Pilot jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Naval Pilot jobs?
For Naval Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Naval Aviator (Pilot/NFO) - AL & GA
Birmingham, AL
U.S. Navy •
National Security • 10K+ employees10,000+ employees
Part-time
Re-posted 19 days ago
United States Navy rating
6.4
Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
43rd of 50 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.
What United States Navy employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About US Navy
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
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