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Pilot Hourly Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Overview Helicopter Pilot - Glasgow, KY EC-130 / VFR $12,500 Location Stipend Off Duty Housing available $15,000 Sign on Bonus AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE! As the leader in the air medical ...

Overview Helicopter Pilot - Bedford, KY LifeNet - KY EC-130 / VFR $10,000 Location Stipend Off-Duty Housing available $15,000 Sign on Bonus AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE! As the leader in the ...

Overview Helicopter Pilot - Russell Springs, KY EC130 / VFR Off-Duty Housing available $12,500 Location Stipend $40,000 Sign-on Bonus (new hires only) AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE! As the ...

Helicopter Pilot

Lexington, KY · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $87,019 - $95,720 Up to 30% geographic modifier, depending on location 15K Sign on Bonus 40K Retention Bonus after 3 years On Duty Housing ...

Helicopter Pilot

Lexington, KY · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $87,019 - $95,720 Up to 30% geographic modifier, depending on location 15K Sign on Bonus 40K Retention Bonus after 3 years On Duty Housing ...

$87K - $95K/yr

This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $87,019 - $95,720 Up to 30% geographic modifier, depending on location 15K Sign on Bonus 40K Retention Bonus after 3 years On Duty Housing ...

This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $87,019 - $95,720 Up to 30% geographic modifier, depending on location 15K Sign on Bonus 40K Retention Bonus after 3 years On Duty Housing ...

Helicopter Pilot

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $87,019 - $95,720 Up to 30% geographic modifier, depending on location 15K Sign on Bonus 40K Retention Bonus after 3 years On Duty Housing ...

Helicopter Pilot

Lexington, KY · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $87,019 - $95,720 Up to 30% geographic modifier, depending on location 15K Sign on Bonus 40K Retention Bonus after 3 years On Duty Housing ...

Helicopter Pilot

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $87,019 - $95,720 Up to 30% geographic modifier, depending on location 15K Sign on Bonus 40K Retention Bonus after 3 years On Duty Housing ...

Helicopter Pilot

Lexington, KY · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $87,019 - $95,720 Up to 30% geographic modifier, depending on location 15K Sign on Bonus 40K Retention Bonus after 3 years On Duty Housing ...

This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $87,019 - $95,720 Up to 30% geographic modifier, depending on location 15K Sign on Bonus 40K Retention Bonus after 3 years On Duty Housing ...

Helicopter Pilot

Quincy, KY · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $87,019 - $95,720 Up to 30% geographic modifier, depending on location 15K Sign on Bonus 40K Retention Bonus after 3 years On Duty Housing ...

This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $87,019 - $95,720 Up to 30% geographic modifier, depending on location 15K Sign on Bonus 40K Retention Bonus after 3 years On Duty Housing ...

This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $87,019 - $95,720 Up to 30% geographic modifier, depending on location 15K Sign on Bonus 40K Retention Bonus after 3 years On Duty Housing ...

This is not a Float Pilot position. Starting Salary Range: $87,019 - $95,720 Up to 30% geographic modifier, depending on location 15K Sign on Bonus 40K Retention Bonus after 3 years On Duty Housing ...

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Showing results 1-20

Pilot Hourly information

See Kentucky salary details

$43K

$113.7K

$174.6K

How much do pilot hourly jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot hourly in Kentucky is $113,704.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,900.00 and $134,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pilot hourly?

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 Kentucky? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Kentucky are:

$82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Overview

Helicopter Pilot - Glasgow, KY

 EC-130 / VFR 

$12,500 Location Stipend 

Off Duty Housing available

$15,000 Sign on Bonus 

AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE!

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 communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, while providing our pilots with work life balance. Our #1 objective is to ensure safety to/from every time, so come join our growing and high-performing culture, sparked by teammates who deliver on being the best!

Location

If you're looking for a place where hospitality feels genuine and life moves at a more enjoyable pace, Glasgow offers the perfect blend of comfort and charm. Surrounded by rolling countryside and just minutes from outdoor gems like Barren River Lake and Mammoth Cave, it's a haven for anyone who loves fresh air and weekend adventures. The cost of living is affordable, the community is welcoming, and the historic downtown adds a touch of character with local shops and restaurants. With a strong sense of pride and plenty of opportunity to put down roots, Glasgow makes it easy to build a life that feels both relaxed and fulfilling.

Benefits

Air Methods is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package created with the diverse needs of our teammates in mind:

  • Health, Dental and Vision
  • Competitive 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Spending Account Benefit Plans
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Full Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Business Travel Accident Insurance
  • Voluntary Legal
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Employee Assistance and Benefit Concierge Service Programs

Job SummaryResponsible to ensure aircraft and weather conditions are airworthy to transport medical crew and patient to receiving hospital within an assigned operational area. Responsible for compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), General Operations Manual guidelines (GOM), and thorough knowledge of Air Methods policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following:

  • Operates Air Methods aircraft in a safe and legal manner.
  • Completes pre-flight before every flight verifying the aircraft is in an airworthy condition by sign off of Daily Flight Log. Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight and upon completion of each flight.
  • Final authority with regard to operations of aircraft and for the safety of passengers, cargo and equipment.
  • Must be thoroughly familiar with all aircraft and medical systems of backup aircraft utilized at operational area and also ensures that the medical flight team is familiar and comfortable with the medical interior and systems.
  • Responsible for completion of required documentation.
  • Able to conduct detailed flight planning with little notice to exacting standards.
  • Participates regularly in Air Methods meetings, activities, projects, committees and community outreach.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Requirements

  • Regular scheduled attendance. (7/7 schedule - 12-hour shifts)

Subject to applicable laws and Air Method's policies, regular attendance is an essential function of the position.  All employees must follow Air Methods' employment practices and policies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Compensation

Compensation commensurate with flight and EMS experience from $82,900 per year.

Qualifications

Qualifications

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.

Pay Scale

Based on flight and EMS experience.

Education & Experience

  • Associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school and two  to five years' related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Bachelor's degree preferred

Operation and Safety Requirements:

  • As a member of the Flight Crew, any person employed in this position shall maintain a weight not to exceed 250 pounds and shall be less than seventy (70) years old.

Skills

  • Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals and the public and strives to maintain a friendly and professional working environment
  • Pilots must have flown in category within the previous 24 months

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Program:

  • 2000 total flight hours with a minimum of 1500 flight hours in category.
  • 1000 hours PIC in category.
  • 500 hours of rotor wing turbine.
  • 200 hours of cross-country flight time, at least 50 hours at night.
  • 100 hours unaided night as PIC (50 hours of unaided can be substituted by 100 hours of NVG time, but cannot be reduced below 50 hours of unaided time).
  • 50 hours total actual or hood instrument time in flight and in category (for a RW candidate who is FW rated, 100 hours or greater of FW actual or hood Instrument time can reduce the RW required instrument time to 25 hours).

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

  • Instrument rating (for category and class of aircraft)(ATP rating in category meets this requirement)
  • Fixed wing multiengine rating is required for twin-engine aircraft
  • Commercial single-engine land is required for single-engine aircraft
  • First OR Second Class FAA Medical certificate required.

This position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident).Air Methods is an EEO/AA employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status 

Internal Bidding Ends:7/28/25

Minimum payMaximum PayBenefits

For more information on our industry-leading benefits, please visit our benefits page here. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

This position will be open and posted until filled, with a minimum posting period of three days.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME