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Professional Pilot Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The pilot is expected to maintain the highest professional and safety standards in accordance with FAA regulations and company policies. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITES: * Adhere to FAA regulations and meet ...

New

The pilot is expected to maintain the highest professional and safety standards in accordance with FAA regulations and company policies. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITES: * Adhere to FAA regulations and meet ...

New

$76K/yr

... professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work ... AFR Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC): Email: hqafrc.a3rb.pilotconciergecell@us.af.mil Global: A3 ...

$76K/yr

... professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work ... AFR Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC): Email: hqafrc.a3rb.pilotconciergecell@us.af.mil Global: A3 ...

Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals and the public and strives to maintain a friendly and professional working environment * Pilots must ...

Helicopter Pilot

Thornton, CO · On-site

$99K - $111K/yr

Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals and the public and strives to maintain a friendly and professional working environment * Pilots must ...

Helicopter Pilot

Rifle, CO · On-site

$82K - $86K/yr

Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals and the public and strives to maintain a friendly and professional working environment * Pilots must ...

Short Intro and About the Job The Pilot Plant Supervisor has management responsibilities over Pilot ... Remain approachable by behaving in a professional and courteous manner and by treating everyone in ...

Pilot Plant Supervisor

Louisville, CO · Hybrid

$82K - $118K/yr

About the Job The Pilot Plant Supervisor has management responsibilities over Pilot Plant ... Remain approachable by behaving in a professional and courteous manner and by treating everyone in ...

Pilot Plant Supervisor

Louisville, CO · On-site

$82K - $118K/yr

Short Intro and About the Job The Pilot Plant Supervisor has management responsibilities over Pilot ... Remain approachable by behaving in a professional and courteous manner and by treating everyone in ...

Safety is a key pillar of our services; therefore, all of our pilots work on a quality, professional team that are committed to high safety standards for the crew and our customers. Minimum Required ...

Safety is a key pillar of our services; therefore, all of our pilots work on a quality, professional team that are committed to high safety standards for the crew and our customers. Minimum Required ...

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Showing results 1-20

Professional Pilot information

See Colorado salary details

$52K

$137.7K

$211.4K

How much do professional pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional pilot in Colorado is $137,661.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,200.00 and $163,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money do professional pilots make?

Professional pilots' salaries vary based on experience, aircraft type, and employer. Entry-level commercial pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, while experienced airline captains can make over $200,000 per year. Factors such as flight hours, certifications, and union agreements influence earnings.

How long does it take to make $200,000 as a pilot?

Professional pilots typically reach a $200,000 annual salary after several years of experience, often around 5 to 10 years, depending on the airline, aircraft type, and flight hours accumulated. Early career pilots may earn significantly less, with salaries increasing as they gain seniority, additional certifications, and flying hours. Factors such as union agreements and regional differences can also influence earning timelines.

What are some common challenges professional pilots face during multi-crew operations, and how can they be addressed?

Professional pilots working in multi-crew environments often encounter challenges related to communication, coordination, and workload management. Effective teamwork and clear communication are essential to maintaining safety and efficiency, especially during high-pressure situations like adverse weather or emergencies. Regular training, adherence to standard operating procedures, and fostering an open cockpit culture help pilots address these challenges and ensure smooth collaboration with co-pilots and cabin crew. Emphasizing Crew Resource Management (CRM) is key to building trust and minimizing errors during flights.

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

To thrive as a Professional Pilot, you need strong aeronautical knowledge, situational awareness, and a valid commercial pilot license (CPL) or airline transport pilot license (ATPL). Proficiency in using flight management systems, navigation instruments, and adhering to aviation regulations is essential, with certifications often required by aviation authorities. Exceptional decision-making, communication, and teamwork skills help pilots operate safely and efficiently in high-pressure environments. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure passenger safety, regulatory compliance, and effective flight operations.

What is the difference between Professional Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectProfessional PilotCommercial Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, additional ratings depending on aircraftCommercial Pilot Certificate, specific ratings for aircraft types
Work EnvironmentVaries widely: airlines, cargo, charter, corporateAirlines, charter services, aerial work
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly across aviation sectorsPrimarily in commercial aviation operations

Both Professional Pilots and Commercial Pilots require similar certifications, but Professional Pilot is a broader term encompassing various roles in the aviation industry, while Commercial Pilot specifically refers to pilots authorized to be paid for flying. The main difference lies in scope and job responsibilities within the commercial aviation sector.

What can you do with a professional pilot degree?

A professional pilot degree prepares individuals to become licensed pilots, enabling them to operate aircraft for commercial or private purposes. Graduates can pursue careers as airline pilots, corporate pilots, flight instructors, or cargo pilots, often requiring additional certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot license. The degree provides foundational knowledge of aeronautics, navigation, and safety procedures essential for the aviation industry.

What are professional pilots?

Professional pilots are licensed individuals who operate aircraft as their primary occupation. They may work for commercial airlines, charter companies, cargo carriers, or private employers, transporting passengers or goods. Professional pilots are responsible for safely navigating flights, conducting pre-flight checks, communicating with air traffic control, and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. Their training includes extensive flight hours, simulator practice, and certification by aviation authorities. The role demands strong technical skills, situational awareness, and adherence to safety procedures.

What pilots make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced airline captains, especially those flying long-haul international routes for major carriers, can earn annual salaries exceeding $500,000, including base pay, bonuses, and overtime. Corporate pilots for private or executive jets with extensive flight hours and seniority may also reach this level, often requiring advanced certifications and significant flight hours. Such high earnings are typically associated with seniority, aircraft size, and the employer's scale.
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Professional Pilot jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Professional Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Pilot job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,661 per year, or $66.2 per hour.

Senior Pilot

Sanborn Map Company

Colorado Springs, CO

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

ABOUT US

Founded in 1866, The Sanborn Map Company (Sanborn) is one of the oldest continuously operating mapping and geospatial information technology companies in the US. Our work is highly visual, and our mapped data and applications are an essential part of today’s information economy. We serve many industries and government departments and need to communicate effectively with them about our wide range of products and services. We remain at the forefront of the GIS and photogrammetry industry by offering high quality, technologically superior products and services backed by the industry’s most experienced staff. We are looking for a talented individual to fill this role working in a collaborative environment ready to innovate workflow.

SUMMARY:

The Senior Pilot operates aircraft to fly aerial photo missions in support of mapping and LiDAR projects. As Pilot in Command of the aircraft, the pilot directs onboard crew to ensure safe and efficient acquisition missions. Responsibilities include performing flight operations within schedule and budget; coordinating with authorities to obtain flight permission/clearance within restricted or Class B airspace; maintaining flight records; and advising supervisors of any equipment maintenance requirements or safety concerns.

The Senior Pilot is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of Sanborn’s fleet of turbine-powered aircraft, including Aero Commander, Navajo and King Air 300 series (if type rated). The pilot will lead flight operations for airborne data acquisition, primarily under FAA Part 91 regulations. This position requires extensive travel and overnight deployments, with absences from home base potentially exceeding 200 days per year. The pilot is expected to maintain the highest professional and safety standards in accordance with FAA regulations and company policies.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITES:

  • Adhere to FAA regulations and meet the requirements for a Pilot in Command (PIC) per FAA part 91.
  • Coordinate logistics and daily flight scheduling to ensure a smooth continuation of work.
  • Adhere to standard operating procedures, insuring compliance.
  • Participate in pilot training programs.
  • Attend periodic safety meetings and other safety training as needed.
  • Adhere to the company Flight Operations Manual (FOM).
  • Perform to project budgets.
  • Stay current with requirements of reporting mechanisms such as pilot logs, dailies, ACLs.
  • Provide weekly reports and other reports as necessary to executive management.
  • Review the weather forecasts and make recommendations for the relocation of aircraft and crew to maximize the acquisition of data.
  • Provide reports in reference to the progression of the photo acquisition.
  • Ensure that procedures with Air Traffic control centers and they are being followed.
  • Coordinate in obtaining airspace clearance for restricted airspace areas.
  • Coordinate with flight planning staff to insure efficient collection scenarios are devised for the type of aircraft to be used.
  • Collaborate with all flight operations staff as needed to ensure the maintenance and the operational status of the aircraft.
  • Present and demonstrate aircraft capabilities to clients as requested.
  • Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Not applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION:

  • High school Diploma. Associates degree in aviation or equivalent experience preferred.
  • ATP required

EXPERIENCE:

  • Required minimum of 3,000 hours total flying time. 1,500 as pilot in command.
  • Preferred minimum of 1,500 hours MEL to be considered to operate multi-engine aircraft.
  • 1000 hours turbine minimum
  • Recent flight experience per FAA Part 61 & 61.57.
  • Proficiency with computers and software.
  • Geospatial industry aerial acquisition experience preferred.
  • Aero Commander and King Air 300 series type rating highly preferred.
  • Annual ground and flight training required in King Air 300 series aircraft.
  • Operate King Air 300 series aircraft for data acquisition primarily in night operations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

  • Active commercial pilot’s license.
  • FAA IFR Rating.
  • 1st class medical certification from FAA.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Approval from chief pilot and acceptance/insurability by Sanborn’s aviation carrier.
  • Successful completion of initial drug screen and subsequent drug screens.
  • Successful completion of a background check, including driving record.
  • Ground and flight training required in make and model of designated aircraft.
  • Ability to provide flight training in designated make and model to staff pilots.
  • Valid passport and ability to travel anywhere in North America.

Position Location: Nationwide

Salary Range - $35-45/Hour

Additional Requirements:

Applicant must live in the U.S. and be authorized to work in the U.S.

Sanborn offers a comprehensive health and wellness program which includes medical, dental, vision, 401k, holiday, PTO, EAP, disability and life insurance benefits.

TO APPLY: Visit our website: www.Sanborn.com under the Careers menu option to apply. We are accepting applications for this position until August 15, 2026. Sanborn is a Veteran/Disability Equal Opportunity Employer.