1

Seasonal Seaplane Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seasonal Seaplane information

See salary details

$5

$18

$39

How much do seasonal seaplane jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal seaplane in the United States is $18.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some unique challenges faced by seasonal seaplane pilots during peak operating seasons?

Seasonal seaplane pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, high passenger volumes, and diverse landing environments, which require quick decision-making and adaptability. During peak season, pilots must efficiently coordinate with ground crews, manage tight schedules, and maintain rigorous safety standards despite increased operational pressure. Additionally, they often work in remote or tourist-heavy locations, which can impact logistics and communication. These factors make teamwork, flexibility, and strong situational awareness especially important for success in this role.

What are seasonal seaplane pilots?

Seasonal seaplane pilots are licensed aviators who operate seaplanes—aircraft capable of taking off and landing on water—primarily during specific times of the year, such as summer or peak tourism seasons. These pilots often work in regions with abundant lakes, rivers, or coastal areas, transporting passengers, cargo, or performing sightseeing tours. Their responsibilities include pre-flight inspections, safe navigation, and ensuring passenger safety. Because their work is seasonal, many pilots are hired on a temporary basis and may have other aviation jobs during the off-season.

What is the difference between Seasonal Seaplane vs Seaplane Pilot?

AspectSeasonal SeaplaneSeaplane Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License with seaplane ratingCommercial Pilot License with seaplane rating
Work EnvironmentSeasonal operations, often in remote or tourist areasYear-round or seasonal flying, including sightseeing, charter, or cargo
Employer & IndustryTourism companies, charter services, government agenciesAirlines, charter companies, sightseeing operators

Both Seasonal Seaplane operators and Seaplane Pilots require similar certifications and work in seaplane flying environments. The key difference is that Seasonal Seaplane roles are typically seasonal, focusing on tourism or specific periods, while Seaplane Pilots may work year-round across various sectors.

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

To thrive as a Seasonal Seaplane Pilot, you need a valid commercial pilot license with seaplane rating, strong navigation skills, and a solid understanding of aviation safety regulations. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, weather monitoring tools, and aircraft maintenance procedures is typically required. Excellent judgment, adaptability, and strong communication skills help pilots respond effectively to changing conditions and interact with passengers. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring safe, efficient, and customer-focused seaplane operations in diverse environments.
More about Seasonal Seaplane jobs
What cities are hiring for Seasonal Seaplane jobs? Cities with the most Seasonal Seaplane job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Seaplane jobs? The most popular types of Seaplane jobs are:
What states have the most Seasonal Seaplane jobs? States with the most job openings for Seasonal Seaplane jobs include:
Infographic showing various Seasonal Seaplane job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 4% As Needed, 89% Temporary, 3% Nights, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 4% Physical, 95% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,949 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Temporary

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Taquan Air in Ketchikan is looking to fill seasonal full-time pilot positions starting May 1st, 2024 through September 30th, 2024.
We operate DeHavilland Beavers and Turbine Otters on straight floats exclusively. All pilot positions involve flying freight and mail to multiple destinations near Ketchikan, as well as on and around Prince of Wales Island. The summer season will include flight seeing tours to the Misty Fjords National Monument and surrounding areas. Applicants must be physically fit and able to load and unload cargo, have good customer service skills, be able to work well with others as part of a team, with good judgement and a safety-first frame of mind.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PILOTS:
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate with Airplane Single-engine Sea Rating
  • 1000 hours total time
  • 100 hours cross-country time, including 25 hours night cross-country time
  • Instrument Rating (per FAR 135.243)
  • Taquan Air will consider a variety of experience levels, however you do need 200 hours float time minimum.
  • A history of instructing seaplane applicants is a definite plus.