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Pilot First Officer Cargo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

National Air Cargo, Inc

First Officer

Orlando, FL · On-site

Chief Pilot FLSA Status: Exempt Summary: National First Officers, also known as second-in-command ... National Air Cargo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants ...

National Air Cargo Group Inc

First Officer

Orlando, FL · On-site

Chief Pilot FLSA Status: Exempt Summary: National First Officers, also known as second-in-command ... National Air Cargo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants ...

National Airlines

First Officer

Orlando, FL · On-site

Chief Pilot FLSA Status: Exempt Summary: National First Officers, also known as second-in-command ... National Air Cargo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants ...

lynden

First Officer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Lynden Air Cargo is seeking experienced and adventurous First Officers who are ready to take flight ... Cargo's Employee Handbook, LAC GOM and applicable CFR's. * Responsible to Pilot-in-Command (PIC ...

Everts Air Cargo

MD-80 First Officer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$115/hr

Everts Air Cargo is headquartered in Fairbanks where it serves as the primary base for maintenance ... The right person with strong piloting skills can expect a quick upgrade and openings for Line Check ...

21 AIR LLC

First Officer

Miami, FL · On-site

FIRST OFFICERS (FO) The FO shall serve as Second in Command (SIC) on 21 Air flights requiring two pilot crewmembers and should be prepared to assume the duties of the PIC should the PIC become ...

Lynden Incorporated

First Officer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Lynden Air Cargo is seeking experienced and adventurous First Officers who are ready to take flight ... Cargo's Employee Handbook, LAC GOM and applicable CFR's. * Responsible to Pilot-in-Command (PIC ...

lynden

First Officer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Lynden Air Cargo is seeking experienced and adventurous First Officers who are ready to take flight ... Cargo's Employee Handbook, LAC GOM and applicable CFR's. * Responsible to Pilot-in-Command (PIC ...

21 AIR LLC

First Officer

FIRST OFFICERS (FO) The FO shall serve as Second in Command (SIC) on 21 Air flights requiring two pilot crewmembers and should be prepared to assume the duties of the PIC should the PIC become ...

Everts Air

MD-80 First Officer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$115/hr

Description The Team Everts Air Cargo was formed in 1995 as a 121 Certificated Cargo Airline ... The right person with strong piloting skills can expect a quick upgrade and openings for Line Check ...

Mountain Air Cargo

PR · On-site

POSITION PURPOSE Mountain Air Cargo (MAC) is a FedEx Feeder carrier providing reliable and safe ... Commercial or Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate -- Multi-Engine Land * ATP-CTP ...

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Pilot First Officer Cargo information

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$22K

$89.8K

$198K

How much do pilot first officer cargo jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot first officer cargo in the United States is $89,790.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pilot First Officer in cargo aviation, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pilot First Officer in cargo aviation, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong aeronautical knowledge, and experience with multi-engine aircraft. Familiarity with flight management systems, electronic flight bags, and specific cargo handling protocols is typically required, along with certifications like an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Excellent situational awareness, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you manage demanding schedules and unforeseen challenges. These skills ensure safe, efficient flight operations and the reliable transport of goods under varying and often challenging conditions.

What are Pilot First Officer Cargo?

A Pilot First Officer Cargo, commonly known as a co-pilot, assists the Captain in operating cargo aircraft. They are responsible for safely navigating and flying planes that transport goods rather than passengers. Their duties include monitoring instruments, communicating with air traffic control, conducting pre-flight checks, and assisting with takeoffs and landings. They work closely with the Captain to ensure all safety procedures are followed and that cargo is delivered efficiently and securely.

What is the difference between Pilot First Officer Cargo vs Pilot First Officer Passenger?

AspectPilot First Officer CargoPilot First Officer Passenger
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Second-Class MedicalCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Second-Class Medical
Work EnvironmentCargo aircraft, freight hubs, airportsPassenger aircraft, terminals, airports
Industry UsageFreight and logistics companiesAirlines, passenger transport services

Both Pilot First Officer Cargo and Pilot First Officer Passenger roles require similar certifications and work in aviation environments, but they differ mainly in the type of aircraft operated—cargo versus passenger planes. The choice depends on your interest in freight logistics or passenger service within the airline industry.

What are some unique challenges faced by a Pilot First Officer in the cargo industry compared to passenger airlines?

As a Pilot First Officer in cargo operations, you may encounter unique challenges such as flying overnight or irregular schedules, handling time-critical shipments, and operating into a wider variety of airports, including those with less infrastructure support. Unlike passenger airlines, communication with ground staff and coordination for loading/unloading are essential parts of the role. Additionally, cargo pilots often fly longer legs and may have fewer crew members, requiring a high degree of self-sufficiency and teamwork with the Captain and ground teams.
Infographic showing various Pilot First Officer Cargo job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,790 per year, or $43.2 per hour.
First Officer

First Officer

National Air Cargo, Inc

Orlando, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

National Airlines, based in Orlando, FL, operates passenger charter service as well as customized military and commercial air cargo carriages worldwide. National Airlines specializes in over-sized, time sensitive, and special handling requirements, utilizing 747-400 and A-330 aircraft to accomplish its missions.
Job Title: First Officer
Location: Home Based
Department: Flight Operations
Reports To: Chief Pilot
FLSA Status: Exempt
Summary: National First Officers, also known as second-in-command (SIC), report to the Chief Pilot and are functionally responsible to the Pilot in Command (PIC) of the flight to which they are assigned. The First Officer plays a vital component in the safe operation of National aircraft by assisting the captain in accordance with all Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR's) and company policies and procedures. First Officers are expected to exercise responsibilities in a manner that promotes teamwork, professionalism, and mentorship.
Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Must be thoroughly familiar with and adhere to instructions and procedures contained in the applicable company operational manuals.
  • Responsible for compliance with all regulations promulgated by both the FAA, foreign aviation authority if applicable, and the Company for the conduct of the flight.
  • Responsible for compliance with all clearances and directives issued by valid controlling agencies, i.e., Air Traffic Control (ATC), and Ground Control, etc.
  • Is considered to be in training for upgrading to Captain. Must take advantage of all Captain instructions and information available to prepare accordingly through observing closely the standard in-flight operating procedures and other techniques used by Captains during flight.
  • Ensures necessary forms and flight deck supplies are adequately stocked and available to the crew prior to each flight.
  • Performs the duties of a Relief Officer on a crew of 3 or more Pilots
  • Additional responsibilities may be found in National Airlines' General Operations Manual.

Qualifications:
  • Hold a current and unrestricted ATP certificate with an airplane category multi-engine class rating and English proficiency endorsement.
  • Hold a current FAA First Class medical Certificate.
  • Hold and FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit.
  • Hold a valid U.S. passport with no restrictions on international travel.
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • Have a minimum of 2,2000 required
  • Have a minimum of 500 hours of turbine time.
  • Minimum age of 23 (All National pilots are subject to FAA 121 mandatory retirement regulations). Note: ATP issued with a CIRC APCH-VMC Only limitation is acceptable.
  • Current and qualified operating in Part 121, 135 or 91 environments. (Preferred)

Supervisory Responsibility: No
Physical Requirements:
  • Prolonged periods of sitting.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
National Air Cargo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, Protected Veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, termination, promotions or other conditions of employment or career development. We take affirmative steps to hire and advance females, racial minorities, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We offer Reasonable Accommodations where necessary to candidates for employment and to our qualified employees with disabilities.
National Airlines also expects all our employees to support and promote our Safety Management System (SMS) Safety Policy and Safety Objectives. Employees at all levels of the organization are encouraged to report safety concerns or hazards without fear of reprisal.

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