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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do noaa pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for noaa 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 Noaa pilot?

A NOAA Pilot is a highly trained aviator responsible for operating aircraft in support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's scientific missions. They conduct aerial surveys, environmental monitoring, and emergency response operations, often flying over oceans, coastal regions, and remote areas. NOAA Pilots work closely with scientists and meteorologists to collect critical data for weather forecasting, climate research, and resource management. They must hold FAA certifications and typically have extensive flight experience, including specialized training for flying in challenging conditions.

What typical missions or assignments does a Noaa pilot undertake, and how do these impact the work schedule?

NOAA Pilots frequently participate in specialized missions such as hurricane tracking, coastal mapping, snow and ice surveys, or marine mammal research, which often require flying in challenging conditions and remote locations. These assignments can demand irregular schedules, extended travel, and flexibility to respond to rapidly developing weather events or scientific needs. Teamwork is essential, as pilots regularly collaborate with scientists, engineers, and mission planners to ensure successful data collection and mission safety. The dynamic nature of these assignments makes the work both demanding and rewarding, offering the chance to contribute directly to important environmental research and public safety initiatives.

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

To thrive as a NOAA Pilot, you need an FAA commercial pilot license (with multi-engine and instrument ratings), extensive flight experience, and a background in meteorology or related sciences. You must be adept at using advanced avionics, GPS navigation, and mission-specific scientific equipment for atmospheric or marine data collection. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial for coordinating with scientists and ground crews. These skills ensure accurate data gathering and safe operations in often challenging weather and mission environments.

Does NOAA hire pilots?

Yes, NOAA hires pilots for specialized roles such as flying research aircraft and conducting scientific missions. Candidates typically need a commercial pilot license, relevant flight experience, and often a background in science or engineering. These positions may require additional certifications and adherence to federal aviation standards.

How much do NOAA pilots make?

NOAA pilots, who operate aircraft for scientific and environmental missions, typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and seniority. Salaries can vary based on federal pay scales and additional allowances for specialized skills or remote work environments.

How to become a NOAA Pilot?

To become a NOAA Pilot, candidates typically need a commercial pilot certificate with instrument and multi-engine ratings, along with significant flight experience. Applicants often require experience in flying aircraft used for scientific or environmental missions and must pass FAA medical and background checks. NOAA pilots also undergo specialized training related to their aircraft and mission requirements.
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Noaa Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Noaa Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Right Whale Aerial Team Leader

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater, FL • On-site

Temporary

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

This position is dependent upon grant funding. The location is in a field house. The field houses are located in GA, NC, SC. The length of the position is based on the field house location.


POSITION TITLE: Right Whale Aerial Team Leader

REPORTS TO: Right Whale Project Coordinator

SUPERVISES: Right Whale Observers

EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: Non-Exempt, Temporary

PERCENTAGE OF FT WORK: 100%

LOCATION: Offsite

PERMANENT/TEMPORARY/SEASONAL: Temporary

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Participate in right whale aerial surveys in the southeastern U.S. coastal waters
  • Supervise aerial observers
  • Communicate and coordinate daily aircraft support with aircraft vendor pilots, other Team Leaders and right whale research-based platforms
  • Coordinate survey flights in accordance with weather-related conditions, military training schedules and right whale migration pattern shifts
  • Scheduling of staff
  • Collect data and images on large whales (condition, behavior, associations, status, etc.), and location data on vessels and other species of interest
  • Facilitate the transmittal of location information to the various communication networks, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, New England Aquarium, and NOAA
  • Photograph sightings via digital photography with processing and matching those images following each flight
  • Manage, analyze, and conduct quality control checks on aerial survey data and photographic images
  • Facilitate the transmittal of data to managers and other appropriate agencies through weekly and final reports
  • Present information to the scientific and public communities

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • International applicants must secure own visas or other required documentation
  • Previous aerial or marine mammal survey experience
  • Previous experience in photo-identification of large cetaceans preferred
  • Strong administrative and supervisory skills are preferred
  • Successful completion of aviation and marine safety and survival training upon hire
  • Demonstrated proficiency in database entry and Microsoft Office programs
  • Demonstrated ability with memorization skills
  • Proven track record of attention to detail
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain open lines of communication
  • Ability to live and work well in a team environment is essential
  • Expect to work on weekends and holidays


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Survey flights require continual focus with eyes and ears - daily
  • Ability to work in a small aircraft up to eight hours - daily
  • Ability to work while in close, confined spaces - daily
  • Ability to work in extreme varying environmental conditions EX: humidity, heat, and rain - daily
  • Strong tolerance to working on a continuous motion-based platform - daily
  • Weekend and holiday work required - frequently
  • COVID-19 vaccination – required

Please upload your cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information of three professional references during your application submission. Application deadline is August 21, 2026.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required.

All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

A statement of “temporary” position is not a guarantee of employment. It simply means the role has a set end date (typically up to 1 year) and/or has deliverables to be met and if those deliverables are not met the position may be terminated. In Florida, employment is "at-will" by default, meaning either party can terminate the relationship at any time for any legal reason and as such continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium participates in E-Verify, please view the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Notice of Right to Work.