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Pilot Captain Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

PSA Airlines

Maintenance Technical Pilot

Arlington, VA · On-site

Maintenance Technical Pilots (MTPs) will use excellent communication and teamwork, along with their ... Previous PSA Captain with 121-line experience. * Currently have or ability to obtain an FCC ...

Lynker Corporation

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$45K - $90K/yr

The primary duty of a UxS Operator is to stand pilot watches with the responsibility of maintaining ... Experience in boat handling and seamanship: licensed boater or captain is desired. Experience ...

Lynker Corporation

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$45K - $90K/yr

... pilot watches with the responsibility of maintaining the safety of the public and of the vessel ... or captain is desired. • Experience implementing COLREGs into the safety of navigation of UxS ...

All JobsPilot Captain JobsPilot Captain Jobs in Washington

Pilot Captain information

See Washington salary details

$10

$42

$86

How much do pilot captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for pilot captain in Washington is $42.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $46.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pilot captain?

Pilot Captains, also known as airline captains or aircraft captains, are highly experienced pilots responsible for commanding and operating an aircraft during flights. They oversee the entire flight crew, make critical decisions regarding flight safety, navigation, and operations, and ensure compliance with aviation regulations. Captains are typically the most senior pilot on board and are ultimately accountable for the safety of passengers, crew, and the aircraft.

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

To thrive as a Pilot Captain, you need advanced aeronautical knowledge, extensive flight experience, and an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Familiarity with flight management systems, navigation technology, and aircraft-specific simulators is crucial for operating complex aircraft. Strong decision-making, leadership, and clear communication skills set exceptional captains apart, especially in high-pressure situations. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure passenger safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient flight operations.

What are some common challenges pilot captains face when managing a flight crew during long-haul flights?

Pilot Captains often encounter challenges such as maintaining effective communication, managing crew fatigue, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols during long-haul flights. Coordinating rest schedules, addressing unexpected situations, and fostering teamwork among diverse crew members are crucial responsibilities. Captains must also balance operational decision-making with regulatory compliance and passenger comfort, making strong leadership and adaptability essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Pilot Captain vs Pilot First Officer?

AspectPilot CaptainPilot First Officer
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificateCommercial Pilot License (CPL), ATP certificate
Work EnvironmentLeads flight operations, makes final decisions, manages crewAssists captain, handles navigation, monitors systems
ResponsibilitiesOverall flight safety, decision-making, communication with ATCSupporting pilot, managing specific flight tasks

The Pilot Captain is the senior pilot responsible for the entire flight operation, while the Pilot First Officer assists and supports the captain. Both roles require similar certifications, but the captain holds the ultimate authority and decision-making power during flights.

How much money do pilot captains make?

Pilot captains typically earn between $100,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on factors such as airline, experience, and flight hours. Experienced captains with seniority and additional certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in major airlines or international flights.
Pilot Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Captain job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,918 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Airline Pilot - First Officer

Washington, DC

Piedmont Airlines
Aviation • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Piedmont Airlinesexternal

$117.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

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

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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