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Tanker Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FlightSafety International

PILOT INSTRUCTOR

CA · On-site

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 ...

FlightSafety International

Site Manager

Altus, OK · On-site

Experience as a military tanker Pilot/Boom Operator Instructor or receiver Pilot Instructor required * Five years of experience required in an ATS environment, of which at least two years as a ...

Blessey Marine Services

Tankerman

Harahan, LA · On-site

$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 ...

Blessey Marine

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 ...

Blessey Marine

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 ...

FlightSafety International

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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How much do tanker pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 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 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 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.

More about Tanker Pilot jobs
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:
What job categories do people searching Tanker Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tanker Pilot jobs are:
Tanker Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tanker Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,518 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

PILOT INSTRUCTOR

FlightSafety International

March Air Reserve Base, CA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

FlightSafety International rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 221 rated education and training

Job description

Salary Range: $0-$1,099,998.00 

Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, education, skills, and experience as well as market demands. These factors impact the salary/wage offered. 

Benefits:

FlightSafety offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes vacation, sick leave, a 401k match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits.

About FlightSafety International      

FlightSafety International is the world's premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Purpose of Position

The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established Training System (TS) curriculum.

Tasks and Responsibilities
  • Conduct all Initial, Upgrade, Requalification, and Refresher training using devices, such as a classroom, Pilot Part Task Trainer (PTTP), Boom Operator Part Task Trainer (PTTB), Boom Operator Trainer (BOT), Fuselage Trainer (FuT), WST, and KC-46 aircraft.
  • Conduct other ground-based training, as required, for Aircrew Members in tanker and receiver operating procedures, including diagnosis and remediation of student problems.
  • Conduct Initial and Recurring training for Maintenance Personnel attending Engine Run courses.
  • Conduct briefings, debriefings, and perform counseling with Aircrew Members and Maintenance Personnel to develop and maintain the highest level of student technical acumen and proficiency.
  • Extract student data, analyze results, and prepare for student review sessions.
  • Serve as KC-46 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) for students and other applicable personnel, as required.
  • Maintain exceptional standards of instruction, knowledge levels, capabilities, and expertise.
  • Develop and maintain exceptional knowledge of KC-46 aircraft systems and operating procedures.
  • Consistently display exceptional knowledge and application of instructional principles and theories pertaining to aircrew training systems.
  • Provide inputs for courseware corrections and modifications, along with updates to training policies and procedures.
  • Operate Student Management System.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education

Bachelor's degree required.

Minimum Experience
  • Eight (8) years flying experience, five (5) years of which as a C-17 pilot with air drop and aerial refueling experience, or able to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver. 
  • Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics. 
  • Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Ability to fluently read, write, speak, and understand English.
  • Ability to clearly relay information, both verbally and written, to others.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of instructional principles and theories pertaining to TSs.
  • Working knowledge of personal computers and software applications, such as, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
  • Successfully accomplish annual internal standardization evaluations.
  • Possess an active SECRET Security Clearance.
Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the teammate is regularly required to talk or hear; to sit, stand or walk; and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls. The teammate is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; and stoop or kneel. The teammate is frequently required to ingress/egress from the simulator and aircraft, work in inclement weather and temperature extremes as set forth in the Air Force and company guidelines. The teammate must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 35 pounds. Noise levels range from quiet to extremely loud. The teammate must be able to exit the WST by way of escape ladder down to the floor.

FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of required compliance reviews, including verification that the candidate is not prohibited from employment under U.S. economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

This position may require access to export-controlled technology or services subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment consideration and any offer of employment are contingent upon the applicant's ability to comply with these requirements, including qualifying as a "U.S. Person" under applicable regulations or otherwise eligible for export authorization within a timeframe consistent with business needs. A "U.S. Person" includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (holders of approved and unexpired green cards), and certain refugees or asylees with protected status under U.S. law.

This position may also require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance for the duration of employment.

Cybersecurity Notice: All official recruiting communication from FlightSafety International will come from an @flightsafety.com email address.  FlightSafety International will never ask for personal or financial information through social media or third-party email providers.

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