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Night Cargo Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our diverse portfolio enables major cargo integrators, manufacturers, aircraft operators, and ... hours night * Previous FAR121/135 experience required * Instrument Proficiency Check or 121/135 ...

Ameriflight, LLC is the nation's largest Part 135 cargo airline and the leading provider of ... hours night * Previous FAR121/135 experience required * Instrument Proficiency Check or 121/135 ...

... night * Previous FAR121/135 experience required * Instrument Proficiency Check or 121/135 recurrent within past 6 months * Commercial Pilot License multi-engine land with instrument rating, high ...

$131K - $171K/yr

Cargo Helicopter (CH-47); Utility Helicopter (UH-60 series), (LUH-72 series) and others when ... Flights may be performed with a combination of day, night, and night vision goggle (NVG) operations ...

$131K - $171K/yr

May be required to transport classified, chemical, or other hazardous cargo. May be required to ... Flights may be performed with a combination of day, night, and night vision goggle (NVG) operations ...

Part 135 Line Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Reliable Airlines is a cargo feeder operator, operating for a major cargo carrier since June 2022 ... Instrument rating * 1,200 hours total time * 500 hours cross country * 100 hours night * 75 hours ...

IFR Pilot

Meridian, MS · On-site

$100K/hr

Perform duties during 24-hour operations with day and night rotations. Requirements: * Hold ... Commercial Aviation - Passenger airlines, cargo operations, and aircraft leasing * Business ...

Helicopter Pilot

Lake City, FL

$76K - $95K/yr

Final authority with regard to operations of aircraft and for the safety of passengers, cargo and ... night 100 hours unaided night as PIC (50 hours of unaided can be substituted for by 100 hours of ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Monticello, UT · On-site

$104K - $114K/yr

Scheduled shifts run 14/21 and service day or night trips. Safety is a key pillar of our services ... Previous medevac and/or cargo experience preferred. * Valid and unexpired driver's license.

Fixed Wing Pilot

Battle Mountain, NV · On-site

$118K - $130K/yr

Scheduled shifts run 14/14 and service day or night trips. Safety is a key pillar of our services ... Previous medevac and/or cargo experience preferred. * Ability to provide logbooks listing all ...

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Night Cargo Pilot information

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How much do night cargo pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for night cargo pilot in the United States is $18.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Night Cargo Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, instrument and multi-engine ratings, and significant flight experience, especially in nighttime and adverse weather conditions. Familiarity with advanced avionics, flight planning software, and cargo handling procedures is essential, and some employers may require certifications like the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and the ability to work independently under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe, timely deliveries and effective problem-solving during challenging night operations.

What is the difference between Night Cargo Pilot vs Night Charter Pilot?

AspectNight Cargo PilotNight Charter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), second-class medicalCommercial Pilot License (CPL), second-class medical
Work EnvironmentFreight and cargo flights, often overnight, in cargo aircraftPassenger flights for private or group charters, often at night
Employer & IndustryAirlines, cargo carriers, logistics companiesPrivate clients, charter companies, tour operators

Night Cargo Pilots primarily operate cargo flights during nighttime hours, focusing on freight transport. Night Charter Pilots, on the other hand, fly private or group passengers at night. Both roles require similar certifications and often share work environments, but they serve different industry needs and clientele.

How much do night cargo pilots make?

Night cargo pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, airline, and flight hours. They often work overnight shifts and require certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license.

What is a night cargo pilot?

A Night Cargo Pilot is a professional pilot who operates aircraft to transport freight and packages during nighttime hours. They often work for logistics companies or air freight carriers, ensuring that cargo is delivered quickly and efficiently to its destination. Night cargo pilots typically fly dedicated cargo planes on scheduled routes, and their work is crucial to the overnight delivery and supply chain industries. The job requires a commercial pilot's license, instrument rating, and often experience with specific aircraft types. Working at night can present unique challenges, such as reduced visibility and irregular sleep schedules.

What are some unique challenges faced by night cargo pilots compared to daytime pilots?

Night cargo pilots often encounter challenges such as reduced visibility, increased fatigue due to overnight shifts, and limited ground support at smaller airports. Working during nighttime hours requires heightened attention to navigation and adherence to safety protocols. Additionally, night cargo pilots typically operate under tight schedules, making time management and adaptability essential skills. Collaboration with dispatchers, ground crews, and air traffic control is crucial to ensuring timely and safe deliveries.

Is there a demand for night cargo pilots?

Night cargo pilots are in demand due to the 24/7 nature of freight transportation, with many companies operating overnight shifts to meet delivery deadlines. These pilots typically need specific certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot license and experience with cargo aircraft, and their schedules often include overnight and irregular hours.

What does a night cargo pilot do?

A night cargo pilot flies a cargo plane to deliver evening mail, packages, freight, and other goods. As a night cargo pilot, you transport time-sensitive material overnight. Your responsibilities include ensuring the safety of the cargo, plane, crew members before, during, and after flights. Other duties include keeping written records of flight plans, cargo type, and plane maintenance issues. As a night cargo pilot, your navigation skills must be impeccable. You sometimes fly in bad weather, so you must be able to deal with adverse conditions. You may sometimes be away from home for long periods.

What cities are hiring for Night Cargo Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Night Cargo Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cargo Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Cargo Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Night Cargo Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Night Cargo Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Night Cargo Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $38,524 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

BE-1900 Captain - Cargo Pilot

Ameriflight

Pampa, TX • On-site

$87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Ameriflight, LLC is the nation's largest Part 135 cargo airline and the leading provider of scalable, outsourced aviation services for the regional express airfreight market. Our diverse portfolio enables major cargo integrators, manufacturers, aircraft operators, and freight forwarders to adapt quickly to the demands of today's fast-moving supply chain.
Operating a fleet of more than 120 aircraft-including the Saab 340B, Embraer 120, Fairchild SA227, Beechcraft 1900, and Beechcraft 99-Ameriflight delivers reliable service from bases across the U.S.
About the position:
  • Captain in Beechcraft BE1900
  • Outstation domiciled in PPA, operating to AMA and LBB M-F evening and returning the following morning
  • Occasionally repositions to DFW for maintenance
  • Base salary is $87,006 annually

Pilot Benefits:
  • Ameriflight is a proud partner of the UPS Flightpath Pathway Program
  • Career advancement opportunities, including training and leadership positions
  • Paid training, including transportation, lodging, and per diem
  • Ability to bid specific base, equipment and domicile
  • Jumpseat privileges with CASS partners, including American, Alaska, Allegiant, Atlas Air, FedEx, Frontier, Horizon, JSX, Omni Air, Southwest, UPS Airlines and more
  • Known Crew Member (KCM) privileges available
  • Reimbursement for Pilot Medical Certificate (post-hire only)
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
  • Company provided Life Insurance
  • Vacation
  • 401K plan

Requirements
  • Must meet FAR 135.243(c) requirements for PIC in IFR conditions
  • Commercial Pilot License multi-engine land with instrument rating, high performance and complex endorsements
  • 1,800 TT, 1000 PIC, 500 hours XC, 250 multi, 100 turbine PIC, 100 hours instrument (50 must be in aircraft), 100 hours night
  • Previous FAR121/135 experience required
  • Instrument Proficiency Check or 121/135 recurrent within past 6 months
  • First or Second Class medical. First Class required for all Charter / ESCS positions and international operations
  • FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
  • Current Passport
  • English Proficient
  • Must be eligible to work in the U.S. and travel unrestricted in and out of the U.S.
  • Must meet airport badging requirements, including a TSA Security background check
  • Successful completion of pre-employment required DOT drug screening and other required background checks
  • May drive company provided vehicles - must have a valid Driver's License and meet all company insurance criteria

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.