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Private Pilot Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

Part 61 Private Pilot certificate with Instrument rating * Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate * Current Class 3 medical * Experience operating Group 3 + UAS * Experience with manual (non-GPS) and/or ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

Part 61 Private Pilot certificate with Instrument rating * Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate * Current Class 3 medical * Experience operating Group 3 + UAS * Experience with manual (non-GPS) and/or ...

AEVEX

Air Vehicle Operator 2

Sierra Vista, AZ

Must have at least an FAA Private Pilot's License (PPL) with an Instrument rating. * Must possess current FAA Class II Medical Certificate. Experience Minimum 2-4 years of relative experience and ...

AEVEX

Air Vehicle Operator 2

Sierra Vista, AZ

Must have at least an FAA Private Pilot's License (PPL) with an Instrument rating. * Must possess current FAA Class II Medical Certificate. Experience Minimum 2-4 years of relative experience and ...

AEVEX

Air Vehicle Operator 2

Sierra Vista, AZ · On-site

Must have at least an FAA Private Pilot's License (PPL) with an Instrument rating. * Must possess current FAA Class II Medical Certificate. Experience Minimum 2-4 years of relative experience and ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

UAS Pilot

Yuma, AZ · On-site

The Surety Programs Group (SPG) supports government and private sector management of complex safety ... SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

UAS Pilot

Yuma, AZ · On-site

The Surety Programs Group (SPG) supports government and private sector management of complex safety ... SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

UAS Pilot

Yuma, AZ · On-site

The Surety Programs Group (SPG) supports government and private sector management of complex safety ... SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

UAS Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

The Surety Programs Group (SPG) supports government and private sector management of complex safety ... SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

UAS Pilot

Yuma, AZ · On-site

The Surety Programs Group (SPG) supports government and private sector management of complex safety ... SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

UAS Pilot

Yuma, AZ · On-site

The Surety Programs Group (SPG) supports government and private sector management of complex safety ... SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

UAS Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

The Surety Programs Group (SPG) supports government and private sector management of complex safety ... SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position ...

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All JobsPrivate Pilot JobsPrivate Pilot Jobs in Arizona

Private Pilot information

See Arizona salary details

$46.1K

$122K

$187.3K

How much do private pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for private pilot in Arizona is $121,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $144,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a private pilot?

Private pilots are individuals who hold a Private Pilot License (PPL), which allows them to fly aircraft for personal or recreational purposes but not for commercial compensation or hire. They are trained to operate small airplanes, follow aviation regulations, and ensure the safety of their flights. Private pilots can carry passengers, fly cross-country, and access a wide range of airports, but they must adhere to certain limitations such as not being paid for their flying services. The PPL is often seen as the first major step for those interested in aviation, either as a hobby or as a foundation for further advanced pilot certifications.

What does a private pilot do?

As a private pilot, you can use a private pilot license (PPL) to operate a non-commercial aircraft and fly yourself or passengers around. This is essentially the recreational level of flying, and private pilots often support community events through volunteer activities like taking children on short flights to help them experience the joy of flying. Private pilots are not allowed to charge passengers, transport freight for money, or perform any other tasks that could qualify as a job. To get paid for flying an aircraft, you need at least a commercial pilot's license, and many trainees obtain a private pilot license while working toward professional licensure.

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

To thrive as a Private Pilot, you need a strong understanding of aeronautical principles, flight regulations, and navigation, backed by a Private Pilot Certificate from the FAA. Familiarity with flight planning software, aircraft control systems, and radio communication tools is essential. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making skills, and calmness under pressure set outstanding pilots apart. These abilities ensure safe, efficient flight operations and effective handling of unexpected situations in the air.

What are some common challenges faced by private pilots during cross-country flights?

Private pilots often encounter challenges such as varying weather conditions, complex airspace navigation, and maintaining situational awareness during cross-country flights. Managing fuel planning, coordinating with air traffic control, and ensuring compliance with flight regulations require careful preparation and decision-making. Building experience through regular flying and thorough pre-flight planning helps mitigate these challenges and ensures safe, efficient journeys.

What is the difference between Private Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectPrivate PilotCommercial Pilot
CertificationsFederal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private Pilot CertificateFAA Commercial Pilot Certificate
Work EnvironmentPersonal flying, recreational, non-commercial activitiesPaid flying, charter services, aerial work
Employer & Industry UsageIndividuals, flight schools, private ownersAirlines, charter companies, aerial survey

The main difference between a Private Pilot and a Commercial Pilot lies in their certifications and permitted activities. Private Pilots can fly for personal or recreational purposes but cannot be paid for their flights. Commercial Pilots, on the other hand, hold additional certifications allowing them to be compensated for their flying services. Both roles require FAA certifications, but the scope of work and employment opportunities differ significantly.

Can you get jobs as a private pilot?

Private pilots can find employment opportunities in areas such as flight instruction, aerial photography, crop dusting, and charter services. However, many private pilot jobs require additional certifications, experience, and often involve part-time or seasonal work. Advancement to paid flying positions typically requires obtaining an commercial pilot certificate and gaining flight hours.

How much money can a private pilot make?

Private pilots typically do not earn a full-time income from flying and often fly as a hobby or for personal reasons. Those who work as flight instructors or in other aviation roles can earn between $25,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and additional certifications. Most private pilots pursue flying as a supplement to other careers or for recreational purposes rather than as a primary source of income.
More about Private Pilot jobs

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The most popular types of Private Pilot jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Private Pilot jobs in Arizona?

For Private Pilot jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Private Pilot jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Private Pilot jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Private Pilot jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Private Pilot job openings:

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For Private Pilot jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Private Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Pilot job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 73% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,999 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Joby Aviation

Yuma, AZ • Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.


Joby Aviation’s Flight Research team is looking for an experienced remote pilot to operate research and development UAS platforms and lead the daily flight operation onsite. Drawing on past experience operating medium to large UAS, the role will fulfill pilot command duties in support of flight test operations in the National Airspace System. Additionally, the applicant will be responsible for the continued development and implementation of standard operating procedures to support the evolving project. Joining a small, fast moving team this position will support additional responsibilities and tasks such as hands on work with the aircraft and ground support equipment, upholding strong safety culture, and support pre and post test activities with engineers.


  • Act as the senior remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms
  • Conduct preflight planning and inspections of the system
  • Support test planning and take part in test rehearsals
  • Post flight reports, internal and external
  • Lead other crewmembers in preparation, execution, and post test activities

  • Part 61 Private Pilot certificate with Instrument rating
  • Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate
  • Current Class 3 medical
  • Experience operating Group 3 + UAS
  • Experience with manual (non-GPS) and/or augmented flight modes using a traditional RC controller interface for conventional takeoff and landing aircraft
  • Fully automated remote flight
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and training
  • At least 7 years of relevant experience
  • Significant UAS experience. Depending on platforms, >300 hrs >200 sorties
  • Demonstrated leadership skills
  • Development and administration of policy and procedures
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently

  • Part 61 Commercial pilot certificate
  • Support of new aircraft or systems development
  • Acceptance testing experience
  • Flight test engineering
  • UAS operations within the National Airspace System beyond Part 107
  • Standard operating procedures development
  • Basic CAD and manufacturing experience
  • Systems engineering
  • A&P or similar experience
  • Aircraft, ground station, and/or subsystem design and build

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $111,900 - $191,200/yr.

. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.


Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. “US Person” includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees. 

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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