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Patrol Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sierra Nevada Corporation

$150 - $200/hr

Perform missions including, but not limited to, casualty evacuation, maritime patrol, and ... Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with instrument and multi‑engine rating without limitations. * FAA ...

Sierra Nevada Corporation

NY · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Perform missions including, but not limited to, casualty evacuation, maritime patrol, and ... Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with instrument and multi‑engine rating without limitations. * FAA ...

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 ...

Energy Transfer Equity Lp

Repairman

Liberal, KS

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 ...

Energy Transfer Equity Lp

Repairman

Pleasant Hill, IL · 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 ...

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Patrol Pilot information

See salary details

$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

What cities are hiring for Patrol Pilot jobs?

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.

Senior Pilot (Deployed Only)

Sierra Nevada Corporation

Shalimar, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Sierra Nevada Corporation rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Are you looking to use your pilot experience to support and protect heroes? Join us! As a Sr Pilot, you will lead complex missions and provide strategic direction in operational planning and execution. You will oversee junior pilots, ensure adherence to safety and regulatory standards, and perform advanced piloting duties in various scenarios including experimental test flights and special mission training. Your role involves significant leadership responsibilities and direct contribution to the success of high-stakes missions.The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations - with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.Responsibilities:

  • Lead and execute complex flight missions across diverse operational environments.

  • Supervise and mentor junior pilots, ensuring their continuous professional development.

  • Perform missions including, but not limited to, casualty evacuation, maritime patrol, and experimental test flights.

  • Ensure mission readiness through detailed planning, risk assessment, and coordination.

  • Monitor and enforce compliance with safety protocols and aviation regulations.

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for mission-critical communication and coordination.

  • Review and analyze flight data and mission outcomes for continuous improvement.

  • Facilitate training programs and drills to maintain a high state of preparedness.

  • Liaise with engineering teams to address and resolve technical issues.

  • Participate in strategic planning and operational decision-making processes.

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Minimum of 3,000 hours of total flight time.

  • Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with instrument and multi-engine rating without limitations.

  • FAA issued Class II Medical Certificate.

  • Able to pass a FAA/Military Pilot Background Check and mandatory drug and alcohol screen.

  • A minimum of 1500 hours total fixed-wing as pilot-in-command (PIC) time in a multi-engine turbo prop aircraft, jet aircraft or combination thereof in aircraft with GTOW 12,500 or greater.

  • Able to meet current DoD and Combatant Command requirements for deployed locations.

  • Willing to deploy OCONUS on an approximate 60/30 rotation.

  • Strong leadership and mentorship capabilities.

  • Extensive knowledge of advanced aviation systems and regulations.

  • A Current/Valid US Passport with the ability to obtain a visa for international travel.

  • Ability to successfully pass pre-deployment medical assessment.

  • Be willing and able to work extended hours, holidays, and shift schedules as required.

  • Ability to deploy for an extended amount of time to various OCONUS operating locations.

  • An active Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required day 1 of employment

NOTE: A United States Government Security Clearance is required for employment. Applicants who do not currently have a USG security clearance are welcome to apply and, if selected, will be processed for a USG security clearance by SNC prior to employment. Employment will begin once the USG security clearance is granted. If applicant is unable to obtain USG security clearance, the offer of employment will be withdrawn.NOTE: PIC for this purpose is defined as Captain/Aircraft Commander of record, not simply the sole manipulator of the controls. SNC considers only pilot time in fixed wing aircraft toward minimum qualifications. This does not include simulator, helicopter, flight engineer, bombardier, navigator, RIO, EWO, WSO, NFO, or Special Crew.NOTE: Please list hours per airframe on submitted resume. Candidates with only rotary wing or single engine hours will not be considered for this role. Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Military flight training background.

  • Previous ISR experience

  • Previous Dash 8 experience

  • Previous OCONUS experience

  • Experience in leadership roles within combat or operational missions.

  • Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification.

  • Advanced degrees in aviation or aerospace disciplines.

  • Experience with experimental and advanced aircraft systems.

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field of study.

  • Recent mission completion and/or prior service.

  • US Military survival and/or physiological training.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires current/active Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We're known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation's most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

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