ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Private Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Survice

UAV Test Pilots

Churchville, MD

$28 - $33/hr

Part 61, Part 141, Commercial Pilot or Private Pilots license. * Specific knowledge of military aircraft systems preferred. * Specific knowledge of unmanned rotorcraft preferred. * Experience ...

Flexjet

Instructor Pilot

Orlando, FL · On-site

Join a global leader in private aviation, offering access to an ultramodern fleet of private ... Flexjet currently operates over 230 aircraft with over 1,200 pilots located in 150 domiciles ...

Flexjet

Instructor Pilot

Dallas, TX

Join a global leader in private aviation, offering access to an ultramodern fleet of private ... Flexjet currently operates over 230 aircraft with over 1,200 pilots located in 150 domiciles ...

Flexjet

Instructor Pilot

Orlando, FL · On-site

Join a global leader in private aviation, offering access to an ultramodern fleet of private ... Flexjet currently operates over 230 aircraft with over 1,200 pilots located in 150 domiciles ...

Flexjet

Instructor Pilot

Dallas, TX · On-site

Join a global leader in private aviation, offering access to an ultramodern fleet of private ... Flexjet currently operates over 230 aircraft with over 1,200 pilots located in 150 domiciles ...

Ball Arena

SkyCam Pilot

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

FAA Private pilots (PPL), or FAA 107 license strongly encouraged to apply * Bachelor's degree preferred (AS or Technical School acceptable). Competencies/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities * As the face ...

Cirrus Aviation

Pilot - Captain

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

... private jet charter services, is looking for outstanding aviation professionals to join our team ... Typically pilots reside within 1-hour of KLAS. We staff each plane with 3 pilots or more pilots ...

Precision Aircraft Management

Chief Pilot

Englewood, CO · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Chief Pilot Reports to : Director of Operations ("D.O.") FLSA Status : Full-time; exempt ... We offer private aircraft management, charter operations, as well as aircraft sales and crewing ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrivate Pilot Jobs

Private Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do private pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 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.

Can a private pilot get a job?

A private pilot can find employment in roles such as flight instruction, aerial photography, or crop dusting, but they are generally not qualified for commercial flying jobs without additional certifications like a commercial pilot license. Most paid flying positions require a commercial license and relevant experience. Entry-level opportunities often involve part-time or seasonal work, and job availability depends on location and industry demand.

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.

How to make $500,000 a year as a pilot?

Private pilots typically do not earn this level of income; higher earnings are associated with airline, corporate, or charter pilots who often have advanced certifications, extensive flight hours, and specialized skills. Achieving a $500,000 annual income generally requires working in senior or executive pilot roles, owning or operating private aircraft, or combining multiple flying jobs and related aviation business ventures.

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.

Can you be a pilot with bipolar?

Private pilots with bipolar disorder can obtain and hold a pilot certificate if they are stable, have no recent episodes, and provide medical documentation showing they are fit to fly. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires pilots to disclose medical conditions and may require additional evaluation or documentation for mental health conditions. Each case is assessed individually to ensure safety in the aviation environment.

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 commercial pilots or flight instructors can earn between $30,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and type of employment. Certification, flight hours, and additional skills influence earning potential in the aviation industry.
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:
What states have the most Private Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Private Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Private Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Private Pilot jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Private Pilot jobs? For Private Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Private Pilot jobs near you

UAV Test Pilots

Survice

Churchville, MD

$28 - $33/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Join Us in Making a Difference in the Lives of Those Defending Our Nation!

Why SURVICE?

Come join the SURVICE Engineering mission to protect, enhance, and enable those who defend the United States. Since 1981, we have supported the DoD community, as well as Homeland Security, advanced technologies, environmental, and commercial markets. Our employees have backgrounds in engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science, acquisition, technical writing, training, and other technical and administrative fields. And many of our personnel have DoD and/or operational military experience. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career with a leading organization, come see what we can offer you!

Position

UAV Test Pilots

  • Location: Churchville, Maryland
  • Security Clearance: Active Clearance or Eligible to Obtain - U.S. citizenship required
  • Salary: $28/HR - $33/HR Depending on Experience and Education
  • Travel: 20%
  • Benefits: SURVICE Engineering offers a total rewards package to include competitive salaries, comprehensive insurance options, paid time off, 401k, flexible spending, tuition reimbursement.

Position Summary

SURVICE Engineering is currently seeking UAV Test Pilots to support our Chesapeake Production Operation. You will accelerate your career and become an integral team member within the defense community.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • UAV test pilot with acillary duties related to UAV system and subsystem assembly, troubleshooting, and repair.
  • UAV research, development, and testing. Must have Pilot's license and be able to operate Group 3 aircraft.
  • Will perform test flights, troubleshooting, training, and create test procedures related to various unmanned vehicles.
  • UAV pilots will also support end user training events and field demonstration events that may require domestic and international travel.

Minimum Qualifications of UAV Test Pilot

High School Diploma Required | Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science preferred and 1+ years of relevant experience. Exceptional candidates with less experience will be considered. Candidates are not required to possess all qualifications; if you possess some of the desired qualifications, please apply.

  • Aircraft operation, safety, testing, training, procedure development.
  • Part 61, Part 141, Commercial Pilot or Private Pilots license.
  • Specific knowledge of military aircraft systems preferred.
  • Specific knowledge of unmanned rotorcraft preferred.
  • Experience building, repairing, troubleshooting electronic systems - especially remote control vehicles, robotics, etc.

About Us

SURVICE Engineering is a nationally recognized, single-source engineering service provider for Government and Industry organizations involved in all phases of the systems engineering process. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and they are proud to have supported the development, testing, analysis, and modeling and simulation (M&S) of many of the major U.S. air, land, and sea combat systems in the field today. They have also contributed their expertise to other vital national defense programs and technologies that involve survivability, cybersecurity, information technology/management, software engineering, unmanned aerial systems (UASs), and metrology/reverse engineering.


SURVICE Engineering is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Apply