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Pipeline Aviation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Since that time, we have developed to become a critical partner in the global aviation industry, delivering time-critical logistics services at over 300 locations in 65 countries, across 6 continents.

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Pipeline Aviation information

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$44K

$71.6K

$87.5K

How much do pipeline aviation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for pipeline aviation in the United States is $71,593.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $76,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is pipeline aviation?

Pipeline Aviation refers to the use of aircraft, such as helicopters and fixed-wing planes, to inspect, monitor, and maintain pipelines that transport oil, gas, or other materials over long distances. These aviation professionals conduct regular aerial patrols to detect leaks, damage, encroachments, or other issues that could compromise pipeline integrity. Using aerial surveillance allows for faster and more efficient identification of problems compared to ground-based inspections, ensuring the safety and reliability of pipeline infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pipeline aviation specialist?

To thrive as a Pipeline Aviation Specialist, you need expertise in aerial surveillance, aviation safety, and knowledge of pipeline infrastructure, typically supported by a pilot’s license and relevant aviation certifications. Familiarity with GIS mapping systems, aerial inspection technologies, and regulatory compliance tools is essential. Attention to detail, strong situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate pipeline monitoring, operational safety, and timely response to potential issues in the field.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in pipeline aviation roles and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in pipeline aviation often encounter challenges such as navigating difficult weather conditions, maintaining strict safety protocols, and ensuring timely communication with ground teams. These roles typically require flying over extensive and sometimes remote areas to monitor pipelines for leaks or damage, which can be physically and mentally demanding. To address these challenges, successful pipeline aviation professionals rely on rigorous pre-flight planning, regular skills training, and effective teamwork with engineers and maintenance crews. Building strong situational awareness and keeping up with the latest industry regulations also helps mitigate risks and ensures efficient operations.

What is the difference between Pipeline Aviation vs Pipeline Technician?

AspectPipeline AviationPipeline Technician
CertificationsFAA pilot licenses, aviation safety certificationsOSHA safety training, pipeline operation certifications
Work EnvironmentAircraft, airports, remote aviation sitesPipeline sites, fieldwork, industrial facilities
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, private aviation, oil & gas explorationOil & gas companies, pipeline construction & maintenance

Pipeline Aviation involves operating aircraft for pipeline inspection, monitoring, and transportation, requiring pilot licenses and aviation safety certifications. In contrast, Pipeline Technicians focus on maintaining and repairing pipelines on the ground, with safety and technical certifications. Both roles are vital in the oil & gas industry but differ significantly in work environment and responsibilities.

How to get a pipeline aviation flying job?

To obtain a pipeline aviation flying job, candidates typically need a commercial pilot license, relevant flight experience, and knowledge of pipeline operations. Additional certifications such as a type rating for specific aircraft and familiarity with safety protocols are often required. Gaining experience through entry-level flying roles and networking within the industry can improve job prospects.
More about Pipeline Aviation jobs

What cities are hiring for Pipeline Aviation jobs?

Cities with the most Pipeline Aviation job openings:

What states have the most Pipeline Aviation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pipeline Aviation jobs include:

Infographic showing various Pipeline Aviation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,593 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Sr Pipeline Technician (Plainview, TX)

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

Skellytown, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Berkshire Hathaway Energy rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Northern Natural Gas offers a knowledge-based compensation program called Skill-Based Pay. Skill-Based Pay is a system that rewards employees for acquiring, demonstrating and maintaining work skills. In addition, Northern Natural Gas offers an annual discretionary incentive bonus up to 10.5%, based on individual and company performance

The goal of Skill-Based Pay is to ensure Northern Natural Gas has a qualified, versatile workforce that produces an extremely competitive product where needed in varying business, regulatory and operational climates. Employees are paid according to the skills demonstrated as well as the tasks performed.

In this system, Northern Natural Gas rewards personal initiative and pays for skills, rather than seniority. With a broader base of skills, employees can tackle new problems better and faster. Employees develop a wider view of the work at Northern Natural Gas and more fully understands the impact their decisions have at their work sites and for the entire company. 

Ready to learn more about the role of a Pipeline Technician?

Pipeline Techs are multi-skilled employees who perform highly technical work within a geographical area on the largest interstate natural gas pipeline system in the United States. Positions will specialize in one or more of the following technical skills: 

  • Controls - Install, maintain and troubleshoot programmable logic controllers, human machine interfaces, motor control centers, and medium and low voltage power distribution and pneumatic control devices utilized in pipeline operations. 
  • Measurement - Program, maintain, operate and troubleshoot gas measurement equipment including gas meters, control valves, relief valves, regulators and associated software, as well as monitoring gas and quality control equipment. 
  • Corrosion - Install, maintain and troubleshoot corrosion protection equipment to ensure pipeline integrity. NACE CP1 Tester certification is preferred. 
  • Mechanical - Install, maintain, troubleshoot, overhaul and repair rotating and reciprocating compression equipment. 
  • Liquified Natural Gas Operations - Ensure reliable operation and maintenance of processes required to make liquefied natural gas. 
  • Underground Storage Operations - Ensure reliable operation and maintenance of processes required to store and deliver natural gas from underground reservoirs. 
  • Compressor Station Operations - Ensure reliable operation of compressor station equipment. 
  • Pipeline - Perform pigging operations, damage prevention measures and pipeline right of way maintenance. 
  • Equipment Operation - Transport, inspect, maintain and operate various mobile heavy equipment including backhoes, boom trucks, semi-trucks, dump trucks, excavators, skid loaders, etc. Additional endorsements for hazmat and liquefied natural gas transportation are available. 
  • Welding - Pipeline welders must be qualified in API 1104 and ASME standards to weld on natural gas pipelines. Structural welders must be qualified in AWS standards. 
  • Environmental - Maintain environmental standards, environmental activities and regulatory compliance for assigned locations.
BHE Pipeline Group consists of Berkshire Hathaway Energy's interstate natural gas pipeline companies, BHE GT&S, Kern River Gas Transmission Company and Northern Natural Gas Company. Combined, BHE Pipeline Group operates approximately 21,200 miles of pipeline with a design capacity of approximately 21.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, owns assets in 27 states and is an industry leader in natural gas transportation. BHE Pipeline Group also operates 22 natural gas storage facilities with a total working gas capacity of 515.6 billion cubic feet and a liquefied natural gas export, import and storage facility.Northern Natural Gas is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.
  • An Associate of Applied Science degree in a technical specialization is preferred. Ideal degrees include Associate of Applied Science in aviation maintenance, diesel, natural gas, compression, instrumentation, controls, electrical, electro-mechanical or corrosion. 
  • A comparable undergraduate degree with a technical specialization certification is applicable. Typically four to six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess the education requirements. 
  • Successful completion of Pipeline Technician Academy and/or achievement of at least one skill-block. 
  • Must have a valid driver's license. Work schedules may vary with some positions requiring overtime and overnight stays away from home, on-call and rotating schedules and availability for emergency response call out 24 hours per day. 
  • Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation. 
  • Assist in performing scheduled preventative maintenance on operational equipment at assigned facility. 
  • Recognizes abnormal operating conditions. 
  • Supports emergency response. 
  • Locate pipelines and oversee third-party excavation and line crossings. Install and inspect pipeline markers. 
  • Operate work equipment including but not limited to power tools, hand tools, and specialized instruments used in pipeline operations, maintenance, and repair of facilities. 
  • Maintain and operate facilities in compliance with specifications, codes, safety and environmental standards/records and company operating procedures. 
  • Assist in maintaining records pursuant to required state, federal, and company procedures. 
  • Review work assignments with the team to ensure work is completed with established safe work practices and reporting.
  • Contribute to a team-centric work environment based on mutual respect and integrity.
  • Support the Company's CHAMPION culture, which centers around personal responsibility, continuous improvement and delivering quality for our customers.

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