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Private Pilot Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Endeavor Air

Flight Operations Ground Instructor

Eagan, MN · On-site

$53K - $63K/yr

FAA Private Pilot license * 1 year of experience in airline or aviation operations or equivalent * Previous 121 flight crewmember experience preferred * Commercial pilot license with instrument and ...

New

3M

Master Pilot Plant Technician*

Cottage Grove, MN · On-site

This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or ... As a Pilot Plant Technician, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and ...

3M

Pilot Plant Technician

Maplewood, MN · On-site

This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career. The Impact You'll Make in this Role As a Pilot Plant Technician you ...

3M

Pilot Plant Technician

Maplewood, MN · On-site

This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career. The Impact You'll Make in this Role As a Pilot Plant Technician you ...

Cirrus Aircraft

Director-Air Safety

Duluth, MN · On-site

$152.07 - $241.16/hr

Private Pilot's license or greater; Certification in Safety Management System (SMS) * Working knowledge and understanding of aviation safety programs, including Safety Management System (SMS ...

Cirrus Aircraft

Director-Air Safety

Duluth, MN · On-site

Private Pilot's license or greater; Certification in Safety Management System (SMS) * Working knowledge and understanding of aviation safety programs, including Safety Management System (SMS ...

Cirrus Aircraft

Director-Air Safety

Duluth, MN · On-site

$152K/yr

Private Pilot's license or greater; Certification in Safety Management System (SMS) * Working knowledge and understanding of aviation safety programs, including Safety Management System (SMS ...

Cirrus Aircraft

Director-Air Safety

Duluth, MN · On-site

$152K - $241K/yr

Private Pilot's license or greater; Certification in Safety Management System (SMS) * Working knowledge and understanding of aviation safety programs, including Safety Management System (SMS ...

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All JobsPrivate Pilot JobsPrivate Pilot Jobs in Minnesota

Private Pilot information

See Minnesota salary details

$48.5K

$128.2K

$196.9K

How much do private pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for private pilot in Minnesota is $128,221.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,900.00 and $151,800.00 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

What are the most commonly searched types of Private Pilot jobs in Minnesota?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Private Pilot jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Private Pilot job openings:

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

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

Private Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Pilot job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,221 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

Flight Operations Ground Instructor

Endeavor Air

Eagan, MN • On-site

$53K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New

Endeavor Air rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 26 rated airlines

Job description

About Us
Endeavor Air is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. Flying as Delta Connection, Endeavor operates 141 regional jets on 750 daily flights to 122 destinations in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., Endeavor has hub operations in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York, and Raleigh-Durham, and 11 maintenance bases across our network.
Our Culture
We know that our people are our greatest assets, and we are committed to building a culture where employees love coming to work each day. At Endeavor Air, we foster a diverse, culturally-rich and safe workplace where employees are treated with dignity and respect. With a culture built on safety, excellence, and teamwork, Endeavor offers limitless potential for aviation professionals looking to start or continue their careers.
Our team promotes an inclusive environment in all aspects of the airline and our operation. As an EEO employer, we provide opportunities for all qualified candidates without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran, or disabled status.
Overview
Non-Seniority List Ground Instructors prepare and present initial, transition, upgrade, recurrent and requalification pilot training. Assist in the creation and execution of classroom training for current and new hire pilots.
Responsibilities
  • Assist in the planning, coordination and scheduling of classroom training.
  • Aid in development courseware, outlines, training modules, lesson plans, and associated graphics and training aids.
  • Ensure course content meets regulatory requirements.
  • Coordinate with the Fleet Manager to ensure standardization.
  • Prepare and maintain accurate, error-free training records and documentation.
  • Maintain classrooms and other training facilities in a clean, neat condition.
  • Continuously review company, industry, government and related publications to keep current on methods, procedures, policies and regulations.
  • Participate in the development and presentation of any special department or company training efforts.
  • Maintain a personal appearance, conduct and demeanor consistent with the professional, customer-oriented manner expected of flight crewmember personnel.
  • Instruct curriculum segments common to other training programs.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Other Duties
  • Other duties as assigned.

Competencies Required
  • Ethics and Values - Supports positive change and diversity that will support healthy organizational growth. Serves as a champion for projects and programs that are beneficial to the company.
  • Knows our Business - Is informed and knowledgeable about trends in the field. Is willing to use own knowledge to constructively challenge institutional practices and systems that might be improved to increase organizational results.
  • Building Trust & Decision Making - Treats all team members in a respectful, courteous, and professional manner, and values the input of all. Recognizes when analysis is sufficient to proceed with making a good decision.
  • Drives For Results By Inspiring Others - Develops clear workable plans with timelines, goals, and ways to measure results. Fosters engagement across different teams.
  • Know your Team & Leading People - Works inclusively with others on the team and across the organization to reach common goals. Is approachable and friendly. Is skilled at valuing differences; recognizing others; and listening for understanding.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and related experience
  • FAA Private Pilot license
  • 1 year of experience in airline or aviation operations or equivalent
  • Previous 121 flight crewmember experience preferred
  • Commercial pilot license with instrument and multi engine ratings and/or Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) license preferred
  • Previous airline or aviation classroom teaching experience preferred
  • Reliable and self-motivated
  • Analytical, interpretive and organizational skills
  • Ability to multi task efficiently and effectively to meet deadlines
  • Interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and able to work with all levels of an organization
  • PC proficient in Microsoft Office software, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Work Environment & Physical Demands
  • Position involves long periods of standing in a training classroom environment.
  • Occasional teaching activity around aircraft equipment in hangars or outdoors on airport ramp which may be hazardous and noisy.
  • Ability to work additional hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
  • Position requires some physical exertion such as pulling, pushing, reaching, bending, standing, walking and light lifting of boxes, bags, files, etc. not in excess of 30 lbs.
  • Up to 5% travel

What We Offer
Providing world-class service to our customers starts with providing world-class benefits to our employees. Endeavor Air employees receive a competitive total compensation package which includes a variety of benefits to choose from and some of the best perks around.
  • Free or reduced-rate travel privileges on Delta Air Lines and 80+ air carriers worldwide for employees and eligible family members
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
  • 401(k) with Company Match starting on Day 1
  • Operational Performance Rewards (OPR) Program
  • Life and AD&D Insurance, Short and Long-term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and voluntary supplementary benefit options

FLSA Status
Salary
Minimum Position Pay Range
USD $53,800.00/Yr.
Maximum Position Pay Range
USD $63,000.00/Yr.
New York City 30% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Eligible
No

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