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Private Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SkyWest Airlines

Pilot Pathway Program

Saint George, UT · On-site

Hold a Private Pilot License, an Instrument Rating, and a Commercial Rating Physical and Other Requirements Qualifications: Length of Program: Until ATP or R-ATP minimums are met * Work closely with ...

Joby Aviation

$91K - $125K/yr

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

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$91K - $125K/yr

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

Joby Aviation Inc.

Flight Research Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$91K - $125K/yr

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

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Remote Pilot

Phoenix, AZ · Remote

$91K - $125K/yr

... 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 ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$91K - $125K/yr

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

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$91K - $125K/yr

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

Joby Aviation Inc.

Flight Research Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$91K - $125K/yr

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

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$91K - $125K/yr

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

Titan Echelon, LLC

UAS Pilot

Blackstone, VA · Remote

Private Pilot License (PPL) Education/Experience Associate's degree from a two-year college or technical school; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Work Environment ...

Platform Aerospace

UAV Pilot/Instructor

Blackstone, MA · On-site

$30 - $70/hr

Private Pilot License PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: * Must be able to perform physical requirements of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation, including, but not limited to, perceiving ...

Platform Aerospace

UAV Pilot/Instructor

Blackstone, MA · On-site

$30 - $70/hr

Private Pilot License PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: * Must be able to perform physical requirements of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation, including, but not limited to, perceiving ...

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Private Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do private pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for private pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are private pilots?

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 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 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 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.

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.
More about Private Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Private Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Private Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Private Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Private Pilot jobs are:
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Private Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Part Time, and 50% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Pilot Pathway Program

Pilot Pathway Program

SkyWest Airlines

Saint George, UT • On-site

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

SkyWest Airlines rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 26 rated airlines

Job description

Primary Job Duties
Length of Program: Until ATP or R-ATP minimums are met
  • Work closely with SkyWest mentors

Joining the SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program will give you access to benefits, including:
  • Enhanced Company seniority
  • Guaranteed interview at SkyWest (must meet minimum hiring requirements)
  • Enhanced introduction to SkyWest
  • SkyWest mentorship, interview prep, and ongoing association with crewmembers

The SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program provides a direct path for exceptional pilots to launch their career at SkyWest Airlines. You must be attending, or have attended, a SkyWest Elite or Standard Partner to join the Pilot Pathway Program.
The current SkyWest Elite Partners are: ATP, AeroGuard, FLT Academy.
The current SkyWest Standard Partners are: Acron Aviation, Axiom Aviation, California Aeronautical University, Cornerstone Aviation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Campus, Nulton Aviation, Saint Francis Aviation, Skyborne, Sling Pilot Academy, Southern Utah University, Spartan, University of North Dakota Grand Forks, Utah Valley University, Utah State University, Western Michigan University.
Please note that this is an unpaid position. Lodging will be provided if required to travel for company business.
Minimum Requirements
  • Must possess a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years of age
  • Be an active or former student at a SkyWest partner school and working toward becoming a commercial pilot
  • Be a U.S. citizen or able to show proof of right to work in the U.S.
  • May not have more than two check ride failures
  • Must actively update flight hours monthly through SkyWest Online

If enrolled at one of SkyWest's elite partners you are eligible to join the Pathway Program immediately upon starting flight training. If enrolled at one of SkyWest's standard partners, you must also meet the following: Hold a Private Pilot License, an Instrument Rating, and a Commercial Rating
Physical and Other Requirements

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