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Pilot First Officer Cargo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

The First Officer position will report to the Chief Pilot and the Director of Operations. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Demonstrate ability to function as SIC Pilot Follow protocol and direction from ...

First Officer Department: Flight Operations Reports To ... Chief Pilot POSITION PURPOSE: Safely assist the Captain and crew, through the use of Crew Resource ...

The First Officer position will report to the Chief Pilot and the Director of Operations. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Demonstrate ability to function as SIC Pilot • Follow protocol and ...

SB Intern, First Officer

Lake Success, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

... medical cargo. Responsibilities: * Responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of each flight ... Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine Land and Instrument ratings, required. * 3-5 years ...

SB Intern, First Officer

New Hyde Park, NY · On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

... medical cargo. Responsibilities: * Responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of each flight ... Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine Land and Instrument ratings, required. * 3-5 years ...

SB Intern, First Officer

New Hyde Park, NY

$16 - $21.25/hr

... medical cargo. Responsibilities: * Responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of each flight ... Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine Land and Instrument ratings, required. * 3-5 years ...

... medical cargo. Responsibilities: * Responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of each flight ... Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine Land and Instrument ratings, required. * 3-5 years ...

The First Officer position will report to the Chief Pilot and the Director of Operations. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Demonstrate ability to function as SIC Pilot • Follow protocol and ...

SB Intern, First Officer

New Hyde Park, NY · On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

... medical cargo. Responsibilities: * Responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of each flight ... Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine Land and Instrument ratings, required. * 3-5 years ...

SB Intern, First Officer

New Hyde Park, NY

$16 - $21.25/hr

... medical cargo. Responsibilities: * Responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of each flight ... Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine Land and Instrument ratings, required. * 3-5 years ...

The First Officer is primarily responsible for safe and efficient ground and in-flight operations ... Administratively responsible to the Chief Pilot. * Primarily responsible for safe and efficient ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Pilot

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


SkyWest Airlines rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 26 rated airlines


Job description


Primary Job Duties

To be considered for a pilot position, you must: 

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 Medical Certificate
Be a U.S. citizen or able to show proof of right to work in the U.S. 
Hold FCC Radiotelephone Operator's Permit.
Have a current Passport --or other travel documents enabling the bearer to freely exit and re-enter the U.S. (multiple reentry status) and be legally eligible to work in the U.S. (possess proper working documents).
Must be available to work on any day, seven days a week, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Be within three months of the minimum hour requirements detailed below

ATP Written Requirement: 

SkyWest will provide the means to complete a SkyWest-approved CTP course for those who complete an application and successfully pass the pilot interview. 
 

Pilot applicants must meet the experience requirements of FAR 61.159 prior to employment.  

SkyWest Minimum Requirements When Counting Helicopter or Glider Time
SkyWest Airlines recognizes the skills common to helicopter and glider flying. SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a minimum of 250 PIC hours of fixed wing.

Domiciles

Arizona:  Phoenix, Tucson

California:  Fresno, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego, San Francisco

Colorado: Colorado Springs, Denver
Georgia: Atlanta

Idaho: Boise

Illinois: Chicago

Minnesota: Minneapolis/St. Paul

Michigan: Detroit

Oregon: Portland

Texas: Austin, Dallas, Houston

Utah: Salt Lake City

Washington: Seattle

Wisconsin: Milwaukee


Minimum Requirements
  • Assist the Pilot- in- Command (PIC) in conducting the flight safely and efficiently
  • Assist the PIC and/or passenger service personnel as needed to ensure a prompt departure
  • Assist or relieve the PIC in manipulation of the flight controls of an aircraft while underway, including taxiing, takeoff and landing of such aircraft

Physical and Other Requirements
  • Must have a First Class Medical
  • Must be willing to fly assigned schedule based on pilot bidding seniority; including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
  • To apply, please complete the on-line application (qualified applicants will be contacted)
Qualifications:

To be considered for a pilot position, you must: 

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 Medical Certificate
Be a U.S. citizen or able to show proof of right to work in the U.S. 
Hold FCC Radiotelephone Operator's Permit.
Have a current Passport --or other travel documents enabling the bearer to freely exit and re-enter the U.S. (multiple reentry status) and be legally eligible to work in the U.S. (possess proper working documents).
Must be available to work on any day, seven days a week, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Be within three months of the minimum hour requirements detailed below

ATP Written Requirement: 

SkyWest will provide the means to complete a SkyWest-approved CTP course for those who complete an application and successfully pass the pilot interview. 
 

Pilot applicants must meet the experience requirements of FAR 61.159 prior to employment.  

SkyWest Minimum Requirements When Counting Helicopter or Glider Time
SkyWest Airlines recognizes the skills common to helicopter and glider flying. SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a minimum of 250 PIC hours of fixed wing.

Domiciles

Arizona:  Phoenix, Tucson

California:  Fresno, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego, San Francisco

Colorado: Colorado Springs, Denver
Georgia: Atlanta

Idaho: Boise

Illinois: Chicago

Minnesota: Minneapolis/St. Paul

Michigan: Detroit

Oregon: Portland

Texas: Austin, Dallas, Houston

Utah: Salt Lake City

Washington: Seattle

Wisconsin: Milwaukee

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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