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Second Officer Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2nd Mate

Juneau, AK

$26.50 - $29.75/hr

... Officer. The 2nd Mate is responsible for maintaining the bridge navigational and communications equipment as well as assisting with the vessel's piloting, navigation , safe route planning ...

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Second Officer Pilot information

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

A Second Officer pilot typically earns around $50,000 to $80,000 annually, so reaching $200,000 may take approximately 2.5 to 4 years with consistent experience and promotions to higher ranks like First Officer or Captain, which offer higher salaries. Factors such as airline, flight hours, and certifications influence earning potential and timeline.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Second Officer Pilot position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Second Officer Pilot, you need a solid grasp of aviation fundamentals, operational procedures, and a commercial pilot’s license with applicable ratings. Proficiency with modern flight management systems (FMS), cockpit instruments, and aviation communication tools is essential. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and clear communication are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities help ensure safe, efficient flight operations and contribute to effective coordination with flight crews and air traffic control.

What is a Second Officer Pilot job?

A Second Officer Pilot, also known as a cruise relief pilot or junior officer, is an entry-level airline pilot responsible for assisting the Captain and First Officer during flights. They typically handle monitoring aircraft systems, managing communications, and supporting the flight crew, particularly during long-haul operations. Their role allows them to gain experience and flight hours before advancing to a First Officer position.

Can you be a pilot with schizophrenia?

Second Officer Pilots and other commercial pilots are typically required to pass medical examinations by aviation authorities, which assess mental health. A diagnosis of schizophrenia may disqualify a candidate from obtaining or maintaining a medical certificate necessary for flying, as stability and mental health are critical for safety. Each case is evaluated individually, but mental health conditions like schizophrenia often impact eligibility for pilot certification.

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

Second Officer pilots typically do not earn this level of income; however, experienced captains flying for major airlines or private jet companies can reach or exceed $500,000 annually through high flight hours, seniority, and additional pay incentives. Achieving this requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, and often working long or irregular hours in high-paying sectors like corporate or international aviation.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for a Second Officer Pilot?

Second Officer Pilots often start in entry-level positions on long-haul or international flights, assisting the captain and first officer with flight duties and monitoring systems. With experience, ongoing training, and accumulated flight hours, many move up to First Officer and eventually Captain roles, which come with increased responsibility and higher pay. Airlines often provide structured pathways for progression, including simulator training and leadership development. This makes the Second Officer position an excellent starting point for a long-term career in commercial aviation.

How much does a 2nd officer pilot make?

A second officer pilot typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on the airline, experience, and location. This role often requires a commercial pilot license and involves assisting the captain during flights, with pay increasing with seniority and flight hours.
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Infographic showing various Second Officer Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 45% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.
Aviation - Officer Careers - VA, DC, MD

Aviation - Officer Careers - VA, DC, MD

U.S. Navy

Roanoke, VA

$87K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

The U.S. Navy operates more than 3,700 aircraft, making it the second largest air force in the world— second only to the U.S. Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky.

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY

FIGHTER PILOT

Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel, drop ordnance and conduct defensive missions—all in the F/A-18 Hornet and the cutting-edge F-35C Lightning II.

AIRCRAFT HANDLING OFFICER

Every performance needs a choreographer and on the deck of an aircraft carrier, that person is you. You’re in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence to aircraft recovery.

FIXED WING PILOT

In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you’re on patrol as the command control center in the sky. If you’re flying the P-3 Orion or the brand-new P-8 Poseidon, you hunt submarines using cutting edge software, radar, sonar, and acoustics.

HELICOPTER PILOT

As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy submarines in defense of your ship.

NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER

In this role, you’re the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you’re hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye through enemy territory or dropping bombs from the backseat of an F-18 fighter jet .

AVIATION MAINTENANCE DUTY OFFICER

You’re in charge of managing the repair and upkeep of our most lethal aviation assets—over eighty different types of aircraft. In addition to that, you manage hundreds of personnel, making this a job that requires a level of organization and focus that few can say they’ve mastered.

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • 30 days paid vacation per year

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Beyond professional credentials and certifications, the Navy can help ease your financial burdens and advance your career with generous financial assistance and continuing education programs, including:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill
  • Navy Tuition Assistance Program
  • Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
  • Navy College Program
  • VOLED Assistance Center
  • VOLED Region Advisors
  • Navy War College (NWC)
  • USAF Air University Air Command and Staff College

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree (Students may apply in last 12 months of pursuing degree)
  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

In the field of aviation, you’ll make the world your home. You may be assigned to sea or shore squadrons on almost any continent. You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of environments—airborne aircraft, hangars, flight decks, flight lines at air stations and on aircraft carriers.

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

Some of the above aviation jobs in the Navy Reserve are open only to prior or current military aviators. Take a moment to learn more about the general roles and responsibilities of Navy Reserve Sailors.


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About US Navy

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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