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Patrol Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Patrols

Pipeline Patrol Pilot

Lyndon, KS · On-site

$23/hr

Pipeline Patrol Pilot - Nationwide Aerial Operations We are seeking exceptional Commercial Pilots to join our nationwide flight operations team. This position is designed for aviators who want more ...

American Patrols, Inc.

Pipeline Patrol Pilot

Midland, TX · On-site

$23/hr

With the flight time our pilots get, that's equivalent to over $30,000 per year. 50% employer covered Health Insurance for employee provided. American Patrols, Inc. is looking to hire exceptional and ...

American Patrols, Inc.

Pipeline Patrol Pilot

Midland, TX · On-site

$23/hr

With the flight time our pilots get, that's equivalent to over $30,000 per year. 50% employer covered Health Insurance for employee provided. American Patrols, Inc. is looking to hire exceptional and ...

American Patrols, Inc.

$60 - $80/hr

... Pilot Experience Preferred, CFI Highly Preferred. Comfortable in High Winds and Small Runways ... American Patrols, Inc. is looking to hire exceptional and dedicated personnel. A career with us ...

Heli Preflight

WI · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Will also be conducting utility flying to include pipeline and power line patrols. Qualifications * Proficiency in Instrument Rating and experience with Commercial Piloting * Strong expertise in ...

Orange County Fire Authority

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA

$122K - $164K/yr

... patrol or construction work, fire control work, rescue operations work, or similar assignments ... FIRE PILOT CHECK FLIGHT EXAMINATION Candidates who successfully complete the oral interview will be ...

Sierra Nevada Corporation

NY · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

You will undertake various missions including casualty evacuation, maritime patrol, experimental ... Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with instrument and multi‑engine rating without limitations.

Sierra Nevada Corporation

$150 - $200/hr

You will undertake various missions including casualty evacuation, maritime patrol, experimental ... Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with instrument and multi‑engine rating without limitations.

County of Los Angeles

PILOT, FIRE SERVICES

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $162K/yr

Patrols mountains to detect fires, lost or missing aircraft, missing persons, or for related ... Performs single-pilot operations. Transports essential personnel and equipment. Communicates with ...

State of Louisiana

Aircraft Pilot 1-2

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$5.1K - $9.2K/mo

Join the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry as an Aircraft Pilot This is a professional ... Work includes forest fire detection and suppression activities, forest insect and disease patrol ...

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Patrol Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do patrol pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for patrol 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 patrol pilot?

Patrol Pilots are specialized aviators responsible for flying aircraft to monitor and survey specific areas, such as coastlines, borders, forests, or pipelines. Their main duties include observing and reporting suspicious activity, conducting search and rescue missions, and supporting law enforcement or environmental protection operations. Patrol Pilots often work for government agencies, private companies, or organizations focused on security, conservation, or resource management. They must be skilled in navigation, communication, and emergency procedures to perform their roles effectively.

What does a patrol pilot do?

As a patrol pilot, your job is to fly a small aircraft on behalf of a government agency or private company and keep watch for a specific type of problem during their daily operations. For example, some states hire fire patrol pilots to fly through the air and look for signs of wildfires and provide initial fire suppression, while businesses may hire aerial patrol pilots to supervise the area and help deter any third-party activities that might impact pipelines or remote facilities. Patrol pilots also support other law enforcement and security efforts, such as by monitoring the national border or helping the highway patrol pursue a fleeing vehicle. Most patrol pilots fly small aircraft, but in recent years, this job has expanded to include piloting drones and looking at live video feeds.

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

To thrive as a Patrol Pilot, you need a valid commercial pilot’s license, strong flight proficiency, and knowledge of aviation regulations and navigation. Familiarity with aircraft-specific systems, GPS navigation tools, and sometimes certifications like instrument or multi-engine ratings are typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for high-pressure situations. These qualifications ensure safe, efficient surveillance and response during patrol missions, often in challenging environments.

What are some common challenges faced by patrol pilots during routine patrol missions?

Patrol Pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, navigating difficult or remote terrain, and maintaining constant vigilance for potential hazards or suspicious activities. Additionally, they must effectively communicate with ground teams and coordinate with other air or maritime units, which requires strong situational awareness and teamwork. Adhering to strict safety protocols while managing long hours and variable schedules can also be demanding but is essential for mission success.

What is the difference between Patrol Pilot vs Security Pilot?

AspectPatrol PilotSecurity Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), specific flight hoursPrivate Pilot License (PPL) or CPL, depending on role
Work EnvironmentAirborne patrols, surveillance flights, remote areasSecurity patrols, surveillance, monitoring facilities
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, government agencies, private clientsSecurity companies, private security firms

Patrol Pilots and Security Pilots both operate aircraft for surveillance and patrol purposes, often requiring similar pilot certifications. However, Patrol Pilots typically work in remote or expansive areas conducting surveillance, while Security Pilots focus on monitoring security sites. Both roles are essential in security and surveillance industries, with overlapping skills and certifications.

More about Patrol Pilot jobs

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Cities with the most Patrol Pilot job openings:

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

The most popular types of Patrol Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Patrol Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Patrol Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Patrol Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Patrol Pilot jobs are:

Patrol Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patrol Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Pipeline Patrol Pilot

American Patrols

Lyndon, KS • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Pipeline Patrol Pilot - Nationwide Aerial Operations
We are seeking exceptional Commercial Pilots to join our nationwide flight operations team. This position is designed for aviators who want more than simply accumulating flight hours. It offers the opportunity to develop meaningful real-world experience while conducting specialized aerial missions across the United States.
Our pilots operate in a dynamic VFR environment supporting aerial patrol, inspection, and related mission-based flight operations. Assignments may take pilots throughout the country and require the ability to adapt to changing terrain, weather, airspace, and operational requirements. The result is challenging, hands-on flying that develops the judgment, precision, and situational awareness that distinguish highly capable professional aviators.
Successful candidates must hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Airplane Single-Engine Land rating and Instrument Rating and have a minimum of 450 hours of total flight time.
Above all, safety, professionalism, and sound judgment are fundamental to our operation. We expect our pilots to approach every mission with preparation and discipline, exercise appropriate decision-making authority, and consistently place safe aircraft operation ahead of mission completion.
This is a full-time position for pilots who are prepared to make a meaningful commitment to the organization and their fellow teammates. Because our flight operation depends upon the reliability of every member of the team, we seek individuals who take personal responsibility for their assignments and understand the importance of being dependable in a professional aviation environment.
In return, pilots can expect consistent flying and substantial opportunities to expand their experience. For career-minded aviators, the position provides an opportunity to build flight time while developing practical skills that extend well beyond the logbook. Nationwide operations expose pilots to diverse airspace, airports, terrain, weather conditions, and mission profiles while strengthening the operational judgment required for advancement within the aviation industry.
Starting compensation is $23.00 per hour, with the volume of flying providing the opportunity for annual earnings exceeding $30,000.
The ideal candidate is safety-conscious, adaptable, dependable, and eager to become a stronger aviator through consistent operational experience.
For pilots seeking to build meaningful flight time while developing the skills, judgment, and experience necessary for the next stage of their aviation careers, this position offers an opportunity to do both as part of a professional nationwide flight operation.

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