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Night Shift Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drone Pilot - 3rd Shift Location: Brentwood, TN Shift: Monday-Friday, 12a-8a Travel: ~10 percent ... You will operate on the night shift and support both routine and rapid‑response missions. What ...

Day and night flight operations * VFR and NVG operations Compensation * Sign On Bonus: Up to $50 ... Shift bonuses and incentives * Annual safety bonus and performance bonuses * Relocation assistance ...

Operations run 24 hours per day with rotating day and night schedules under VFR and Night Vision ... Up to 12.5% * Competitive base pay, shift bonuses, and annual safety and performance bonuses ...

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$105.07 - $130.39/hr

Operations run 24 hours per day with rotating day and night schedules under VFR and Night Vision ... Shift bonuses, overtime incentives, and annual safety and performance bonuses Note: California ...

New

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Marion, IN · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Operations run 24 hours per day with rotating day and night schedules under VFR and Night Vision ... Up to 12.5% * Competitive base pay, shift bonuses, and annual safety and performance bonuses ...

New

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

Operations run 24 hours per day with rotating day and night schedules under VFR and Night Vision ... Shift bonuses, overtime incentives, and annual safety and performance bonuses Note: California ...

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Rushville, IN · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Pilots conduct day and night missions and are responsible for the safe, compliant execution of all ... Shift bonuses and shift incentives * Annual safety bonus * Annual employee bonus * Off‑duty ...

New

Pilots conduct day and night missions and are responsible for the safe, compliant execution of all ... Shift bonuses and shift incentives * Annual safety bonus * Annual employee bonus * Comprehensive ...

Pilots conduct day and night missions and are responsible for the safe, compliant execution of all ... Shift bonuses and shift incentives * Annual safety bonus * Annual employee bonus * Comprehensive ...

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Night Shift Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do night shift pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for night shift 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 night shift pilot?

Night Shift Pilots are licensed aviators who operate aircraft primarily during nighttime hours. Their responsibilities often include transporting cargo, medical supplies, or passengers on routes that require overnight travel. Night flying requires special skills due to reduced visibility and increased reliance on instruments, making safety and alertness crucial. These pilots may work for airlines, cargo companies, emergency services, or private operators, and they must adhere to strict regulations for night operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a night shift pilot?

To excel as a Night Shift Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong aviation knowledge, and excellent situational awareness. Familiarity with cockpit instruments, advanced avionics, and night vision systems is crucial, along with required certifications like an instrument rating. Outstanding decision-making, stress management, and clear communication skills help pilots maintain focus and coordinate with air traffic control during challenging night operations. These competencies are vital for ensuring safe, efficient flights and managing the unique demands of night flying.

What unique challenges do night shift pilots typically encounter, and how can they prepare for them?

Night Shift Pilots often face challenges such as reduced visibility, increased fatigue, and the need to rely heavily on instruments rather than visual cues. To prepare, pilots undergo specialized training in night operations, maintain strict sleep schedules, and practice effective communication with crew and air traffic control. Adapting to these conditions is essential for both safety and efficiency, and building experience on night routes can help pilots gain confidence and proficiency over time.

What is the difference between Night Shift Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectNight Shift PilotCommercial Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Second-Class MedicalCommercial Pilot Certificate, Second-Class Medical
Work EnvironmentNighttime flights, often cargo or charterDay and night flights, passenger or cargo
Employer & IndustryAirlines, cargo carriers, private operatorsAirlines, charter services, cargo companies

Night Shift Pilots and Commercial Pilots share similar certifications and often work in the same industry sectors. The main difference lies in their work hours, with Night Shift Pilots primarily operating during nighttime hours, often for cargo or charter services, while Commercial Pilots may fly during both day and night for various purposes.

More about Night Shift Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Night Shift Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Night Shift Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Shift Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Shift Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Night Shift Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Night Shift Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Night Shift Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Drone Pilot - 3rd Shift

FOCUSPOINT

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Drone Pilot – 3rd Shift

Location: Brentwood, TN
Shift: Monday–Friday, 12a–8a
Travel: ~10 percent
Compensation: Based on experience
Hiring Through: FocusPoint (confidential client)

About the Role

A leading industrial organization is seeking a skilled Drone Pilot to support advanced UAS operations across multiple facilities. This is a hands‑on, technology‑driven role ideal for professionals who excel in mission planning, safe flight execution, data capture, and operational discipline. You will operate on the night shift and support both routine and rapid‑response missions.

What You’ll DoFlight Operations & Mission Planning
  • Plan and execute drone missions, including flight plans, checklists, and use‑case development

  • Conduct routine and specialized flights, including BVLOS where permitted

  • Maintain readiness for rapid deployment during time‑sensitive or emergency events

  • Identify new opportunities to use drone technology to improve safety and efficiency

Regulatory Compliance
  • Stay current on federal, state, and local UAS regulations

  • Ensure all operations meet compliance, documentation, and reporting requirements

Safety & Risk Management
  • Uphold strict safety protocols for all drone operations

  • Perform ongoing risk assessments and maintain incident reporting

  • Support a culture of safety, discipline, and operational excellence

Data Capture & Analysis
  • Capture, process, and validate aerial data using advanced UAS platforms

  • Work with internal teams to extract insights and deliver accurate reports

  • Ensure completeness and quality of all data outputs

Communication & Team Support
  • Maintain clear communication with operations and leadership teams

  • Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation across the drone program

What You Need to Bring
  • Bachelor’s degree or 5 plus years of relevant industry experience

  • Proven experience operating drones in industrial or complex environments

  • Strong understanding of UAS technology, regulations, and safety standards

  • Experience with mission planning, data collection, and technology workflows

  • Proficiency with data analysis or visualization tools

  • Strong communication and teamwork skills

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required)

Who Thrives in This Role

Candidates who demonstrate:

  • Safety and discipline in every operation

  • Accountability and ownership of results

  • Integrity and clear, respectful communication

  • Curiosity and a willingness to innovate

  • Continuous improvement mindset

Work Environment
  • Night shift schedule (12a–8a, Monday–Friday)

  • Approximately 10 percent travel to client sites

  • Mix of field operations and office‑based data processing


Why Work with FocusPoint
As a trusted staffing partner to industry-leading companies, FocusPoint provides access to roles that align with your professional goals, and we advocate for your success throughout the recruitment process. Our team understands appropriate skillsets and takes a consultative approach ensuring that each match is grounded in both experience and fit.


How to Apply
To ensure confidentiality and alignment with our client’s hiring process, all applications must be submitted through FocusPoint. Please do not attempt to contact the client directly. Interested candidates should reach out to FocusPoint’s recruitment team with any questions.


About FocusPoint:
FocusPoint specializes in connecting top-tier professionals with exceptional opportunities in accounting, technology, healthcare, and leadership. We prioritize building meaningful connections, ensuring candidates find roles that align with their skills, goals, and passions.
 
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