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Pilot Hourly Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The Chief Pilot is responsible for the overall leadership, operational readiness, and regulatory compliance of the pilot workforce. This includes oversight of pilot hiring, training, scheduling ...

Chief Pilot

Greenwood Village, CO · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Overview The Chief Pilot is responsible for the overall leadership, operational readiness, and regulatory compliance of the pilot workforce. This includes oversight of pilot hiring, training ...

Overview The Chief Pilot is responsible for the overall leadership, operational readiness, and regulatory compliance of the pilot workforce. This includes oversight of pilot hiring, training ...

The Chief Pilot is responsible for the overall leadership, operational readiness, and regulatory compliance of the pilot workforce. This includes oversight of pilot hiring, training, scheduling ...

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 750 total military flight time in the ...

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 750 total military flight time in the ...

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 ...

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our ...

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Alamosa, CO · On-site

$75K - $197K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Locations: Nationwide Airframe: Location Dependent. Schedule: Location Dependent. Annual Salary Range: $75,186 - $197,676 DOE and Location. * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus (Must Complete ...

Fixed Wing Pilot Locations: Nationwide Airframe: Location Dependent. Schedule: Location Dependent. Annual Salary Range: $75,186 - $197,676 DOE and Location. * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus (Must Complete ...

Fixed Wing Pilot Locations: Nationwide Airframe: Location Dependent. Schedule: Location Dependent. Annual Salary Range: $75,186 - $197,676 DOE and Location. * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus (Must Complete ...

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our ...

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our ...

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Pilot Hourly information

See Colorado salary details

$52K

$137.7K

$211.4K

How much do pilot hourly jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot hourly in Colorado is $137,661.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,200.00 and $163,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Pilot Hourly jobs?

Pilot Hourly jobs refer to positions where pilots are compensated based on the number of flight hours they work, rather than receiving a fixed salary. These roles are common in regional airlines, charter services, and some cargo operations. Hourly pilots may have flexible schedules and often fly shorter routes or specific assignments. Pay rates can vary depending on the employer, the type of aircraft operated, and the pilot's experience. This pay structure allows pilots to potentially earn more with increased flight hours, but income can fluctuate depending on demand and scheduling.

What are some common challenges faced by hourly pilots, and how can they be managed effectively?

Hourly pilots often face the challenge of irregular schedules, which can lead to fatigue and difficulty maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Adapting to varying flight routes and weather conditions also requires strong situational awareness and quick decision-making. Building good communication with dispatchers and other crew members is essential for smooth operations. To manage these challenges, it's important to prioritize rest, stay organized, and proactively communicate any concerns regarding schedules or flight conditions with the team.

What is the difference between Pilot Hourly vs Flight Instructor?

AspectPilot HourlyFlight Instructor
Required CredentialsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), sometimes ATPCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Work EnvironmentAirlines, charter services, cargo, corporate flightsFlight schools, training aircraft, flight training environments
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, charter companies, freight carriersFlight schools, aviation training programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentPay rates, job duties, hours workedTraining responsibilities, certification requirements

In summary, Pilot Hourly typically refers to pilots working for airlines or charter services, focusing on flying hours and pay rates. Flight Instructors, on the other hand, primarily train new pilots and require additional certifications. Both roles involve flying, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Pilot Hourly, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong knowledge of aviation regulations, and extensive flight training hours. Familiarity with advanced avionics, flight planning software, and navigation systems is typically required, along with any necessary type ratings. Excellent situational awareness, decisive problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure flight safety, regulatory compliance, and the ability to respond effectively to in-flight challenges.
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Colorado are:
Chief Pilot

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 hours ago


Air Methods rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

133rd of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

The Chief Pilot is responsible for the overall leadership, operational readiness, and regulatory compliance of the pilot workforce. This includes oversight of pilot hiring, training, scheduling, performance management, and labor relations, including direct engagement with the pilot union. The role ensures adherence to all FAA regulations and company policies, while proactively identifying and resolving compliance risks.

The Chief Pilot establishes and enforces flight standards, maintains operational discipline across all bases, and ensures consistency in pilot performance and safety practices. This position owns the FAA-approved training program, ensuring it remains current, effective, and compliant, along with all required flight manuals and publications.

In addition to maintaining qualification as Pilot in Command (PIC) in at least one aircraft within the certificate holder’s operation, the Chief Pilot represents the organization in industry groups and FAA safety forums, contributing to broader aviation safety initiatives and staying ahead of regulatory and operational changes.

At Air Methods, this role directly supports a mission-critical operation focused on saving lives through rapid, high-quality air medical transport. The Chief Pilot operates within one of the largest and most complex air medical programs in the country, with the ability to influence safety, standardization, and pilot development at scale. This position offers the opportunity to shape operations, drive meaningful impact, and lead within an organization where aviation performance directly affects patient outcomes.
This position will require relocation to Denver.


  • Manage all Flight Operations staff and ensure safety of Flight Operations. 
  • Ensure regulatory compliance with all flight operations and pilot training. Effective flight development and standardization of training. 
  • Team development and mentorship. 
  • Monitor work life balance with Pilot flight and duty times. 
  • Meeting company objectives and creating a positive work environment. 
  • Identify, select and train Company Instructors and Check Airman. 
  • Responsible for ascertaining and assuring that pilots conduct all flights, in accordance with the provisions of the GOM and current CFRs. 
  • Supervises scheduling of training and check ride process. 
  • Administrative responsibilities for the pilot staff to include recruitment, training, reviews, scheduling, time off requests, and compensation adjustments. 
  • Dissemination of all pertinent safety, flight, and company information in a timely manner. 
  • Actively participates in the company’s Safety Management System (SMS) and is familiar with the SMS policies, processes, and procedures.   
  • Ensure aircraft procedures are standardized throughout the fleet. 
  • Responsible for ensuring the maintenance of proficiency records, pilot files, duty time records, reports, and correspondence pertaining to flight operations activities in accordance with the CFRs. 
  • Responsible for the development of policies for Air Methods flight instructors, ground instructors, and check pilots.

In the absence of the Director of Operations, the Chief Pilot shall assume the Director of Operations duties and authorities including but are not limited to:

  • Coordinate with the FAA concerning company training and flight operations.Communicate and work effectively with all company departments and managers.
  • Respond to pilot complaints, safety concerns, Pilot Supervisor issues, and work with all departments with regards to flight safety. 
  • Conduct investigations and provide adequate oversight of the Part 135 air carrier certificate.

Supervisory Responsibilities 

Directly supervises employees in the Flight Operations department.  Carries out Supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, selecting, hiring, and training employees, planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems.  For Exempt Managers:  Managers that carry out these responsibilities for two or more employees will have significant input in hiring and termination decisions. 


To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position. 

Education & Experience 

  • Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) from four-year college or university and five to eight years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience 
  • Minimum of 2,500 flight hours 
  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience, within the past 6 years, as pilot in command of an aircraft operated under part 121 or part 135 of the CFRs; or, In the case of a person with previous experience as a Chief Pilot, have at least 3 years’ experience as pilot in command of an aircraft operated under part 121 or part 135. 

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    About Air Methods

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    Air Methods is the most responsive and reliable provider of critical care transportation solutions. We partner with our EMS and hospital customers to solve the challenges of patient logistics and save lives. We deliver industry-leading performance in safety, clinical quality, and patient advocacy, committing to zero balance bills. In addition to caring for others, we care for our own teammates: building a high-performing culture where people are passionate about their work and always bring their best. We can't be the industry-leading air medical company without you.

    Industry

    Aviation

    Company size

    1,001 - 5,000 Employees

    Headquarters location

    Englewood, CO, US

    Year founded

    1980