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Tanker Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tankerman

Harahan, LA

$22.25 - $25.75/hr

Tankerman DEPARTMENT: Vessel FLSA STATUS: Exempt SUPERVISION ... Reports to: Captain, Relief Captain and Pilot Supervises: This position has no supervisory ...

Bunker Tankerman

Harahan, LA · On-site

$23 - $26.75/hr

Bunker Tankerman DEPARTMENT: Vessel FLSA STATUS: Exempt SUPERVISION: Reports to ... Captain, Relief Captain and Pilot SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: Responsible for the safe, efficient ...

Bunker Tankerman

Harahan, LA

$23 - $26.75/hr

Bunker Tankerman DEPARTMENT: Vessel FLSA STATUS: Exempt SUPERVISION: Reports to ... Captain, Relief Captain and Pilot SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: Responsible for the safe, efficient ...

Experience as a military tanker Pilot/Boom Operator Instructor or receiver Pilot Instructor preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities * Morally and ethically influence others to successfully achieve ...

Conduct other ground-based training, as required, for Aircrew Members in tanker and receiver ... Serve as KC-46 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) for students and other applicable personnel, as ...

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Tanker Pilot information

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$13

$26

$38

How much do tanker pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for tanker pilot in the United States is $26.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tanker pilot?

Tanker pilots are specialized aviators responsible for operating aircraft designed to carry and transfer fuel to other aircraft mid-flight, a process known as aerial refueling. They play a critical role in extending the range and endurance of military and sometimes civilian aircraft by delivering fuel while airborne. Tanker pilots must undergo rigorous training to safely manage complex in-flight refueling operations, often working in challenging conditions and coordinating closely with receiving aircraft. Their expertise ensures that missions can continue without the need for frequent landings to refuel, making them vital to air operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tanker pilot?

To thrive as a Tanker Pilot, you need a commercial or military pilot license, extensive flight training, and strong knowledge of aeronautical procedures and safety protocols. Familiarity with advanced avionics, navigation systems, and aerial refueling equipment is typically required, along with certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making, and teamwork skills distinguish outstanding tanker pilots, especially during complex refueling missions. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, precise operations and effective collaboration with crew and other aircraft in demanding environments.

What are some common challenges faced by tanker pilots during aerial refueling missions?

Tanker pilots often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise formation flying, adapting to varying weather conditions, and managing communication with multiple aircraft during aerial refueling missions. These operations require a high level of situational awareness and coordination, as even minor deviations can impact safety and mission success. Additionally, tanker pilots must frequently adjust to changing mission parameters and work closely with both their own crew and receiving aircraft teams to ensure smooth and efficient refueling operations.

What is the difference between Tanker Pilot vs Cargo Pilot?

AspectTanker PilotCargo Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Second-Class Medical, Tanker-specific endorsementsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Second-Class Medical, Cargo aircraft endorsements
Work EnvironmentOverseas and coastal tanker flights, often over open waterDomestic and international cargo flights, often in freight hubs
Industry UsageOil, chemical, and liquid cargo transportationGeneral freight, mail, and package delivery

Both Tanker Pilots and Cargo Pilots require similar certifications and often operate in commercial aviation. The key difference lies in the cargo type and work environment: Tanker Pilots focus on transporting liquids like oil or chemicals over water routes, while Cargo Pilots handle various freight shipments primarily within land-based routes. Understanding these distinctions helps aspiring pilots choose the right career path in the aviation industry.

How to become a tanker pilot?

To become a tanker pilot, candidates typically need a commercial pilot license with an airline transport pilot (ATP) certification, along with specific training in flying large aircraft and tanker operations. Experience in multi-engine aircraft, a clean flight record, and passing physical and background checks are also required. Additional training on aerial refueling procedures and adherence to safety regulations are essential for this specialized role.
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What cities are hiring for Tanker Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Tanker Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Tanker Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Tanker Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Tanker Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,518 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

$22.25 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

JOB TITLE: Tankerman DEPARTMENT: Vessel FLSA STATUS: Exempt SUPERVISION: Reports to: Captain, Relief Captain and Pilot Supervises: This position has no supervisory responsibilities. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: Responsible for the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally compliant operation of assigned area by performing the following duties: ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The primary function on the Tankerman is to prepare the barges that are assigned to his boat for safe and complete loading and discharging of oil, refined, and petrochemical barges. Other key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Ensure that any and all federal and state required documents that must accompany the barges are on board and in proper order.

Communicate with dock personnel and ensure that each person participating in the transfer of the product understands what the product is and how it should be transferred and protected. Participate in the maintenance of the boat and barges, and help with the training of newly hired employees aspiring to become Tankerman. Handle lines and rigging during tow building, locking, and docking activities.

Must be able to work in a rotation watch schedule, involving 6 hours on and 6 hours off, and be able to occasionally work additional hours not to exceed 15 hours in any 24-hour period or more than 42 hours in a 72-hour period, except in an emergency or drill. Must be able to work on the boat with a schedule based on a ratio of 2 to 1 (i.e. 20 days on, 10 days off or 28 days on, 14 days off)

Must be able to wear a negative or positive respirator, PVC foul weather gear, rubber gloves and boots to protect himself from harmful cargo contact. Must be able to wear a 5-minute escape pack, or a negative pressure respirator, or a supplied airline respirator. Must be able to drive to and from hub cities.

Must be able to perform all duties necessary to navigate locks. Must be able to adhere to all company policies, United States Coast Guard and environmental regulations. QUALIFICATIONS: Education and License Requirements Possess a valid, current Merchant Mariners Document with a Tankerman endorsement for Grade B liquid cargos and under (46 CFR 12.20 et seq.) and a current and valid driver's license

The Tankerman endorsement applies to vessel's Tankerman exclusively engaged in petroleum or chemical transportation. Be able to pass certification requirements of 46 CFR Part 197 Subpart C - Benzene. This applies to vessel Tankerman exclusively engaged in petroleum and/ or chemical transportation.

Have a high school diploma or GED Learning and Training Requirements Assist in training new personnel Comprehend essential information related to: Spill containment and cleanup MSDS sheets and emergency action information Video training information addressing safety Safety meetings. Benzene training. Safety and Rescue Requirements Ensure safe working conditions and orderliness of the vessel.

. Maintain safe, sanitary living and working conditions. Follow all company safety rules and environmental regulations.

Wear safety equipment as required, including: gloves, steel toes boots, goggles, rubber boots, slicker suits, respirator, five (5) minute escape pack or negative pressure respirator or supplied airline respirator. Assist in safety and rescue operations in emergency situations. Assist in emergency firefighting, use firefighting equipment and spill containment equipment.

Enter and exit hatches/ doorways quickly in case of emergencies. Physically pull or assist in pulling a 200-300lb man from the water. Minimum Job Qualifications: Tolerate long hours during transfers.

Communicate with co-workers, Captains, Pilots, Wheelman, Dispatchers, Port Engineers, Coast Guard Inspectors, and others. Remain calm during challenging situations. Posses a valid driver's license for operation of any of the company's vehicles.

Make good decisions. Be dependable, conscientious, and show imitative. Pay attention to detail.

Be willing to adhere to orders, rules, and regulations. Work as a team player - i.e., work with others and understand customer/ supplier wants and needs. Be stable under pressure and withstand the stress associated with the job, including discomfort, unpredictable weather, and potentially hazardous situations

Work aboard the vessel for prolonged periods according to work schedule for the vessel, for example: 28 days on and 14 days off or 20 on and 10 off. Willing to work, as operations require, including days. Live in close quarters for long periods of time and is able to work away from home for long periods of time.

Be drug and alcohol free while on company property during course and scope of company business. Be physically fit to perform all essential physical demands of this job safely. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.

Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS To view physical requirements, please visit https://www.blessey.com/careers Blessey Marine Services, Inc

is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace View all jobs at this company