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Patrol Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Orange County Fire Authority, CA

Fire Pilot

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

At least 500 hours of low-level flight such as powerline patrol, animal survey/capture, and ... The Fire Pilot Check Flight is a pass/fail event. CHIEF'S INTERVIEW Candidates who successfully ...

Energy transfer

Repairman

Liberal, KS · On-site

Communicates with the patrol pilot and assists in relaying reports and messages to those responsible. * Investigates encroachments on pipelines and completes the appropriate reports. Represents the ...

Entergy

UAS Pilot II/I

Kenner, LA · On-site

UAS Pilot II/I Work Place Flexibility: Onsite Legal Entity: Entergy Services, LLC Job Summary ... The primary responsibility of this role is to perform routine and comprehensive UAS patrols and ...

DC Government Careers

Helicopter Pilot

Washington, DC · On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

Assists ground units and provides airborne support for missions including patrol, aerial search and rescue missions, surveillance and information gathering. * Operates as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) for ...

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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 Aug 17, 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.

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

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What states have the most Patrol Pilot jobs?

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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 96% Full Time, and 4% 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, Inc.

Midland, TX

$23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

We are looking for a high-achieving pilot to join our team. Must enjoy low-level, VFR flying, have at least 400 hours of total time, and immediate availability. 

Our pilots enjoy a fun and challenging job, have 8-12 days off per month, and fly consistently.

Requirements: Minimum of 400 Hours Total Time, Commercial Single-engine Land, Instrument Rating, Previous Commercial Pilot Experience Preferred, CFI Highly Preferred.

Must Be Current and Proficient in a Cessna 172.

Comfortable in High Winds and Small Runways, Safety Oriented, Attitude, Impeccable Stick and Rudder Skills, High Level of Situational Awareness. Some traveling required.

FIFTEEN MONTH CONTRACT REQUIRED, with completion bonus. We are looking for unwavering COMMITMENT. We will help you get the hours you need to progress to the next step in your career. You have to be committed mentally for a year. The rest of our team is counting on YOU.

Starting pay is $23.00/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 dedicated personnel. A career with us offers you some of the most challenging and rewarding flying of your life.

You will be able to build your flight time and your skills while patrolling the growing oil fields of West Texas and Southeast New Mexico in a Cessna 172. Affordable housing is available via corporate apartment. Will have own room.

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