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Pilot First Officer Cargo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

San Diego, CA

Be at least 21 years of age Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate Hold a current FAA First Class ...

Air Wisconsin Airlines

FIRST OFFICER

Killeen, TX

$97.44/hr

First Officer starting pay of $97.44/hour and a $5,000 new hire bonuses ... We offer a longevity match with no cap for pilots with 121 experience. Besides competitive pay, Air ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Fort Worth, TX

Be at least 21 years of age Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate Hold a current FAA First Class ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Fresno, CA

Be at least 21 years of age Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate Hold a current FAA First Class ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Atlanta, GA

Be at least 21 years of age Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate Hold a current FAA First Class ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Chicago, IL

Be at least 21 years of age Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate Hold a current FAA First Class ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Boise, ID · On-site

Be at least 21 years of age Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate Hold a current FAA First Class ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Phoenix, AZ

Be at least 21 years of age Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate Hold a current FAA First Class ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

Be at least 21 years of age Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate Hold a current FAA First Class ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Be at least 21 years of age Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate Hold a current FAA First Class ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Austin, TX

Be at least 21 years of age Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate Hold a current FAA First Class ...

Air Wisconsin Airlines

FIRST OFFICER

Killeen, TX · On-site

$97.44/hr

First Officer starting pay of $97.44/hour and a $5,000 new hire bonuses ... We offer a longevity match with no cap for pilots with 121 experience. Besides competitive pay, Air ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

Be at least 21 years of age Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate Hold a current FAA First Class ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPilot First Officer Cargo Jobs

Pilot First Officer Cargo information

See salary details

$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

Air Wisconsin Airlines

Milwaukee, WI

$97.44/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

First Officer starting pay of $97.44/hour and a $5,000 new hire bonuses. We offer a longevity match with no cap for pilots with 121 experience.

Besides competitive pay, Air Wisconsin pilots have industry-leading benefits including:

  • Up to 6 commuter hotels per bid period
  • Uniform, headset and medical exam allowances
  • Jump seat privileges
  • Minimum of 12 days off/month
  • Minimum 75 hour pay guarantee
  • $1.85/hour per diem
  • Competitive duty and trip rigs
  • We have a fleet of over 50 CRJ-200s
  • Exceptional quality of life including paid commuter hotels, minimum of 12 days off each month, industry-leading health-insurance, 401K match up to 8%, and health programs for employees

Minimum Requirements

  • Legal authorization to work in the United States
  • Must be able to read, write, fluently speak and understand the English Language
  • Must have an ATP or be qualified to obtain an ATP or Restricted ATP (CFR 61.159 and 61.160)
  • Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
  • FCC Radio License
  • Valid US passport and the authorization to travel to and from all cities and countries served by Air Wisconsin
  • Valid United States driver's license

  • Due to contractual requirements with our clients, this position requires the ability to successfully pass a comprehensive criminal background check and meet all federal contract qualification standards, including those necessary for certification prior to performing covered duties. Applicants must also satisfy applicable TSA/federal aviation security requirements.

Preferred Requirements

  • ATP-CTP Course Completed
  • Current ATP Certificate
  • Previous 121 Experience

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled

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