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Per Diem Airline Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Solairus Aviation

General Application - Pilot

$50K/yr

S. Per Diem pilots are an on-call day rate part-time employee. The ideal candidate will need to be a team player while seeking excellence in every aspect of his/her performance. Join a hardworking ...

Forest Service

Airplane Pilot (SEAPLANE)

Ely, MN · On-site +1

$92K - $144K/yr

Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct ... FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, with Single-Engine Land and Sea Ratings. Medical ...

Wright Buick GMC Chevrolet

Cessna Citation Pilot

Baden, PA · On-site

$120 - $230/hr

FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) or Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument ... Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan, per diem, and recurrent training #J-18808 ...

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Per Diem Airline Pilot information

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$48K

$87.1K

$133K

How much do per diem airline pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for per diem airline pilot in the United States is $87,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a per diem airline pilot?

A Per Diem Airline Pilot is a professional pilot who is hired on an as-needed basis by airlines, rather than as a full-time or part-time employee. These pilots fill in for regular crew members who are unavailable due to vacations, illnesses, or increased flight demand. Per diem pilots are typically paid a daily or hourly rate for their services and may work for multiple airlines. This flexible arrangement allows airlines to maintain operational efficiency while offering pilots a varied work schedule.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a per diem airline pilot?

To thrive as a Per Diem Airline Pilot, you must have an FAA-issued Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, strong flight experience, and comprehensive knowledge of aviation regulations. Familiarity with advanced avionics, flight management systems, and recurrent simulator training is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, adaptability, and clear communication are vital soft skills for managing variable schedules and collaborating with diverse crews. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operations and reliable performance in dynamic and potentially unfamiliar flying environments.

How does scheduling work for a per diem airline pilot, and what flexibility can I expect in this role?

As a Per Diem Airline Pilot, you are typically scheduled on an as-needed basis to fill in for regular crew members or meet increased flight demands. This arrangement offers significant flexibility, allowing you to accept or decline assignments depending on your availability. However, it also means that work can be irregular, with varying hours and short notice for assignments. You'll often collaborate with different flight crews and may need to adapt quickly to diverse team dynamics and operational protocols. This role is ideal for pilots seeking flexibility, but it's important to be comfortable with uncertainty in your work schedule.

What is the difference between Per Diem Airline Pilot vs Contract Airline Pilot?

AspectPer Diem Airline PilotContract Airline Pilot
CredentialsCommercial Pilot Certificate, ATP (optional), FAA medicalCommercial Pilot Certificate, FAA medical
Work EnvironmentScheduled flights, airline operations, airport terminalsVariable schedules, contract terms, multiple operators
Employer & Industry UsageMajor or regional airlines, scheduled passenger serviceCharter companies, regional carriers, on-demand flights

Per Diem Airline Pilots typically work for airlines on scheduled routes, earning per diem allowances for expenses. Contract Airline Pilots operate on a contractual basis, often flying for multiple operators or on-demand services. While both roles require similar certifications, their work environments and employment structures differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Per Diem Airline Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Per Diem Airline Pilot job openings:

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

The most popular types of Airline Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Per Diem Airline Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Per Diem Airline Pilot jobs include:

Per Diem Airline Pilot jobs near you

Airline Pilot - First Officer

Piedmont Airlines

Annapolis, MD • On-site

$117.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Piedmont Airlines rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 110 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 26 rated airlines

Job description

First Officer – Piedmont Airlines

Location: Philadelphia, PA | Charlotte, NC | Harrisburg, PA

About Us

Piedmont Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, operates a fleet of Embraer 145 regional jets and is proud to connect communities across the East Coast and beyond. Our crew bases in Philadelphia, PA; Charlotte, NC; and Harrisburg, PA provide pilots with stability, career growth, and industry-leading benefits.

Looking ahead, Piedmont will welcome the Embraer 175 to our fleet in 2028, offering pilots expanded opportunities to fly one of the most modern and comfortable regional aircraft in the skies.

Why Choose Piedmont?

  • Competitive Pay
    • First Officer hourly pay starting at $99.00
    • 75-hour minimum guarantee
    • Captain pay begins once you log 750 Piedmont flight hours and successfully bid to upgrade
    • Longevity match: Bring your service time from another 121 carrier
  • Training& Support
    • Hotel accommodations are provided during training at the American Airlines Training Center in Charlotte, NC
    • 100% pay protection for canceled trips and deadhead assignments
  • Career Growth
    • Captain upgrade eligibility after 2,500 total time hours and 1,000 Part 121 hours.
    • Earn Captain pay at 750 Piedmont hours with a successful upgrade bid
    • Flow-through program to American Airlines after 5 years of service, or continue earning top-of-scale pay if you remain at Piedmont
    • Future opportunities to transition to the Embraer 175 fleet in 2028

Compensation

First Officer Pay Scale: Hourly Pay

1 | $99.00
2 | $104.50
3 | $114.00
4+ | $117.75

  • 4-hour minimum day guarantee
  • 11 minimum days off per month
  • Long Call Reserve available

Captain Pay Upgrade: Once you log 750 flight hours at Piedmont and successfully bid for an upgrade, you will be compensated at the Captain's hourly rate.

Insurance& Retirement Benefits

  • Medical Insurance : Zero-dollar deductible plan; company covers 67% of employee premium (includes prescription and vision)
  • Dental Insurance : Preventive care at no cost
  • Life& Disability: 100% company-paid life insurance and AD&D coverage
  • Retirement : 401(k) with company contribution of 4% after one year of service

Travel Privileges

  • Unlimited travel on American Airlines for you, your spouse/partner, children, stepchildren, and parents
  • Guest travel options available
  • Zonal Employee Discount (ZED) agreements with other carriers for expanded global travel

Additional Perks

  • Commuter hotel rooms (6 per quarter for hub domiciles; 4 per month for non-hub domiciles)
  • Bid crew base assignments by seniority and availability
  • 100% trip cancellation and deadhead pay

Minimum Qualifications

  • Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) or Restricted ATP (R-ATP) certificate with multi-engine rating
  • 500 hours total time, including:
    • 50 hours multi-engine
    • 250 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) or R-ATP minimums met
  • Current FAA First-Class Medical Certificate
  • FCC Radiotelephone Operator's Permit
  • Valid U.S. passport (or passport with U.S. work authorization)
  • High school diploma or GED

Preferred Qualifications

  • Type rating in a Part 25 aircraft
  • Current employment as a Part 121 pilot

Take Your Career Further
Joining Piedmont means more than flying airplanes—it's building a long-term career with American Airlines Group. Whether your goal is to fly to America or continue with Piedmont's growing operation—including flying the Embraer 175 in 2028—you'll find stability, competitive pay, and unmatched travel privileges.

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

238754

Compensation

First Officer hourly pay starting at $99.00 75 hour minimum gurantee Captain pay begins once you log 750 Piedmont flight hours and successfully bid to upgrade Longevity match: Bring your service time from another 121 carrier

Job Type

Full Time

Job Benefits

Medical Insurance: Zero-dollar deductible plan; company covers 67% of employee premium (includes prescription and vision)

Dental Insurance: Preventive care at no cost

Life & Disability: 100% company-paid life insurance and AD&D coverage

Retirement: 401(k) with company contribution of 4% after one year of service

What Piedmont Airlines employees say

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Benefits

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