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Plane Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

StarKist Co.

Director, Research & Development

Reston, VA · On-site

$190K - $250K/yr

... pilot to commercial production. KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/COMPETENCIES - * 20+ years of overall ... Must be able to travel by plane - approximate travel 30%. (includes international, passport ...

All JobsPlane Pilot JobsPlane Pilot Jobs in Virginia

Plane Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$49.1K

$129.8K

$199.3K

How much do plane pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for plane pilot in Virginia is $129,793.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,100.00 and $153,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Plane Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectPlane PilotFlight Instructor
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) for advanced rolesCertified Flight Instructor (CFI), often with CPL or ATP
Work EnvironmentAirlines, charter services, cargo carriers, private flightsFlight schools, training aircraft, flight training environments
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, private operators, cargo companiesFlight schools, aviation training organizations

While both Plane Pilots and Flight Instructors require pilot certifications, Plane Pilots typically operate commercial or private flights in various environments, whereas Flight Instructors focus on training new pilots in flight schools. The roles overlap in certification requirements but differ in daily responsibilities and work settings.

Are plane pilots in demand?

Plane pilots are in demand due to ongoing growth in air travel and the need for qualified pilots to operate commercial, cargo, and private aircraft. The profession requires certifications such as a commercial pilot license and experience, and job opportunities are influenced by industry expansion and pilot retirements.

Is 25 too late to become a plane pilot?

Becoming a pilot at age 25 is generally feasible, as many pilots start training in their twenties or later. The key requirements include obtaining the necessary certifications, such as a private pilot license and commercial pilot license, which depend on meeting health, age, and experience standards. Age is rarely a limiting factor as long as the individual can pass medical exams and complete training.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Plane Pilot jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Plane Pilot job openings:

Plane Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plane Pilot job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,793 per year, or $62.4 per hour.

Ramp Tower Controller

Dulles, VA • On-site

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
Aviation • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Metropolitan Washington Airports Authorityexternal

$40.55 - $58.79/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Compensation Grade:
S19-H
Salary Range:
$40.55-$58.79
Opening Date:
September 4, 2026
Closing Date:
September 19, 2026
Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.
As a Ramp Tower Controller, you will control aircraft on the ramps and taxi lanes, dispatch mobile lounges to safely transport passengers, and monitor all aircraft and vehicles in the ramp area to ensure their safe, efficient, and expeditious ground movement.
Ramp Tower Controller
Serves in the Airport Operations Department at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Controls aircraft on the ramps and taxi lanes, dispatches mobile lounges to safely transport airline passengers to and from aircraft and terminals, and monitors all aircraft and vehicles in the ramp area to ensure their safe, efficient, and expeditious ground movement. Coordinates with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airlines, and other IAD Departments to ensure that all aircraft, mobile lounges, and other airfield vehicles operate in accordance with established rules and protocols. Performs related functions.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Directs the movement of aircraft in midfield ramp area in compliance with Dulles Airport Surface Operations Letter of Agreement between Dulles FAA tower and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
Gives instruction to arriving aircraft for taxiing to pre-assigned gates.
Approves requests for push-backs of aircraft into taxi lanes in ramp area and gives taxi instructions ensuring an orderly flow of traffic in compliance with current airport configuration (runways in use) dictated by the Dulles FAA tower.
Dispatches mobile lounges/plane-mates to safely and efficiently transport airline passengers.
Assigns remote parking areas to aircraft, informs airlines, and notes information in gate book.
Reports observed safety hazards, adverse airfield operations, and all other problems.
In the event of an airfield emergency or security breach, follows guidelines and instructions and coordinates with Airport Operations Department and other airport personnel.
Maintains and updates all pertinent records, logs, and assignments, with required information.
Reports the need for maintenance, as required, for all systems.
Coordinates preventive and no-notice maintenance, with Equipment Maintenance, to assure a rotation of mobile lounges/plane-mates.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Four years of progressively responsible experience controlling aircraft movements on the ground or in the air at a major airport; OR Qualified as a controller for the FAA, the US Military, or a ramp control tower at a major airport; OR qualified as a pilot for a CFR Part 121 air carrier; OR has a degree from an approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI).
Ability to perform basic analyses of data and information.
Skill in coordinating and prioritizing multiple information sources, simultaneously.
Ability to speak and write effectively.
Skill in using a computer, computerized work order and time and attendance system.
Ability to work as a team member.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience as a Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) for the FAA or government contractor.
FAA Certified Air Traffic Controller.
Knowledge of and ability to apply ground control procedures at a large hub airport with multiple terminals.
Control Tower Operator (CTO) certificate from the FAA or DOD.
Air Traffic Control Degree from an approved AT-CTI School.
EDUCATION
A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED
A state driver's license in good standing.
NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS
Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, customer service, teamwork, adherence to guidelines, effectiveness, and other factors.
Operates vehicle landside and airside (requires AOA permit).
Must be able to climb stairs (4 levels) to reach Ramp Tower cabs.
Is required to work shifts, including weekends, holidays, and nights, in support of the 24/7/365 Ramp Tower operations.
Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal.
WHAT WE OFFER
A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck; it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family's health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Discover more about our benefits package here.
A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.

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