1

Professional Pilot Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

You will travel to wind farms across the United States, utilizing professional-grade drone ... As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ...

Drone Pilot

Topeka, KS · On-site

$60/day

You will travel to wind farms across the United States, utilizing professional-grade drone ... As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ...

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. Responsibilities:

Fixed Wing Pilot

Dodge City, KS · On-site

$113K - $125K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Dodge City, KS · On-site

$113K - $125K/yr

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 ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Goodland, KS · On-site

$113K - $125K/yr

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. Responsibilities:

Fixed Wing Pilot

Goodland, KS · On-site

$113K - $125K/yr

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. Responsibilities:

Fixed Wing Pilot

Goodland, KS · On-site

$113K - $125K/yr

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. Responsibilities:

Pilot

Wichita, KS · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

The candidate should be able to perform the PIC or SIC duties required by a professional crew ... Operate company aircraft safely and efficiently as a Pilot in Command (PIC) or Second in Command ...

New

... professional degree for officer positions * Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

... professional degree for officer positions * Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

... professional degree for officer positions * Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

... professional degree for officer positions * Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Professional Pilot information

See Kansas salary details

$44.1K

$116.8K

$179.3K

How much do professional pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional pilot in Kansas is $116,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,200.00 and $138,200.00 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 Kansas? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Professional Pilot jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Professional Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Pilot job openings in Kansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,757 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Mcconnell Air Force Base, KS • On-site

$76K/yr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 536 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 50 rated military and defense


Job description

Your application will remain active through the open period of this Public Notice. Once this Public Notice closes, you must reapply.
Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.

Positions may be filled as permanent or term with a full-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location, please click here to review pay tables.Qualifications:QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot):
Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 750 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-13 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot):
Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,000 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-13 (Flight Instructor):
Applicant must possess two years of progressively responsible experience in a flying component of the U.S. military establishment in assignments that normally would qualify for progression into the position of Wing Operations and Training Officer or its equivalent.
AND
Must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,200 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-14 (Flight Instructor):
Applicant must possess three years of progressively responsible experience in a flying component of the U.S. military establishment in assignments that normally would qualify for progression into the position of Wing Operations and Training Officer or its equivalent.
AND
Must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,500 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
NOTE: Pilot hours as described above may include (Primary, Secondary, Instructor, Evaluator, Stimulator, Student and other US Military and Foreign Military Time) in mission design series of organization of position being filled. You must submit an ATAFR-209 Form, Flying History Report or any official document what shows your most recent flight (last date actively flown), total flight hours and type of aircraft flown. FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING.
These are Air Reserve Technician (ART) positions. ARTs are eligible for 15 days active duty tour each year for which military leave is granted with full civilian pay. Air Reserve units and members; are subject to immediate call to active duty in mobilization to meet a national emergency. For additional information regarding ART positions and/or military qualifications, please call 1-800-257-1212. Retired military are usually ineligible for membership in the AF Reserve. Retired military that have active AF Reserve assignments may apply provided they show assignment (position) on the application.
A military service member's statement of service/certification will be accepted IF a terminal leave form or DD214 cannot be provided. The statement/certification should indicate member's separation from active duty is within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate when your terminal leave will begin, your rank, dates of active duty service, the type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable). Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if member is on terminal leave.
Individuals selected for ART positions must meet both civilian qualifications and uniformed military requirements. In addition to meeting civilian qualifications, applicants must obtain military membership in the Air Force Reserve, wear the uniform, maintain job-specific military specialty requirements, and meet other military qualifications such as age, height, weight, and physical fitness standards. For more information click here and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
AFR Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC):
Email: hqafrc.a3rb.pilotconciergecell@us.af.mil
Global: A3/ReservePCC
Teams Page: Reserve PCC
Teams Chat: @ReservePCC
Sharepoint: https://www.milrecruiter.com/afrc-pcc/
Phone: (478) 327-1546
Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Defense employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom