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Tour Pilot Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Tour Pilot information

See Wisconsin salary details

$8

$18

$33

How much do tour pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for tour pilot in Wisconsin is $18.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges tour pilots face when managing group dynamics during sightseeing flights?

Tour pilots often need to balance providing an engaging, informative experience with ensuring passenger safety and comfort. Managing diverse groups can be challenging, especially when dealing with nervous flyers or guests with varying levels of interest and mobility. Pilots must communicate clearly, anticipate guest needs, and adapt their narration style to suit different audiences, all while maintaining strict adherence to flight protocols. Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism help create a positive atmosphere and foster memorable experiences for guests.

What is the difference between Tour Pilot vs Helicopter Pilot?

AspectTour PilotHelicopter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), specific to sightseeing flightsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), often with additional type ratings
Work EnvironmentTourist destinations, sightseeing routes, scenic flightsVarious, including charter flights, corporate, and transport
Industry UsagePrimarily in tourism and leisure sectorsBroader, including transportation, emergency services, and tourism

Tour Pilots specialize in providing scenic and sightseeing helicopter flights within the tourism industry, requiring specific certifications for passenger flights. Helicopter Pilots have a broader scope, operating in various sectors beyond tourism, such as transportation and emergency services, with similar licensing requirements. While all Tour Pilots are Helicopter Pilots, not all Helicopter Pilots work in tourism. The key difference lies in their work environment and specialization.

What Does a Tour Pilot Do?

As a tour pilot, you fly a plane or helicopter to give rides to tourists. You may explain sightseeing opportunities, transport passengers between local destinations, or answer questions about the areas you pass by. For most tours, you follow a predetermined path that begins and ends at the same airport. You may drop passengers off at designated locations, then return to pick them up later. Most tour pilots work with registered tour companies that help advertise flights and find customers, though some work independently. In this career, you may also work as a certified flight instructor (CFI) or provide emergency transportation as needed.

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

To thrive as a Tour Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong navigation skills, and thorough knowledge of aviation regulations. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and aircraft-specific instrumentation is typically required. Excellent communication, customer service, and situational awareness are essential soft skills for engaging with passengers and ensuring safety. These abilities are crucial to providing a safe, enjoyable, and informative tour experience while maintaining compliance with aviation standards.

What are tour pilots?

Tour pilots are professional pilots who operate aircraft, such as helicopters or small planes, to provide sightseeing or charter tours for passengers. They are responsible for safely flying the aircraft along designated routes, offering commentary about landmarks, and ensuring passengers have an enjoyable and safe experience. Tour pilots typically work for tour companies in scenic locations and must hold the required pilot certifications and adhere to all aviation regulations.
What are popular job titles related to Tour Pilot jobs in Wisconsin? For Tour Pilot jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Tour Pilot job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,490 per year, or $19 per hour.

Pilot (First Officer) - Midwest Region

NetJets & EJM

Eau Claire, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Join the NetJets Team
NetJets, the global private aviation leader for more than 60 years, provides the pinnacle of private travel, defined by a signature commitment to unwavering safety, personalized service, and reliable global access. Discover why NetJets is the ultimate career destination, offering exceptional benefits and growth opportunities.
Purpose of Position
The Pilot is responsible to provide a superior air transportation experience with a continued safety record second to none on each and every flight. The Pilot is the face of NetJets providing not only technically accurate and safe transportation but also providing an exceptional service experience for every NetJets Owner and passenger. The Pilot is expected to effectively wear many hats resulting in a concierge service level experience with roles ranging from professional aviator to in-flight service provider. The Pilot is in full command of the aircraft at all times and must always maintain a professional demeanor.
Tasks and Responsibilities
  • Responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft from taxi, take-off and landing of each flight per FAA guidelines, Original Equipment Manufacture's (OEM) Checklists, NetJets Flight Operations Manual (FOM) or Aircraft Operating Manual (AOM), and Standard Operating Practices (SOP's). Greets Owners/passengers pre-flight, makes introductions and briefs them on the specific flight/trip and verifies itinerary/provides passengers with weather updates and safety briefings and explains any changes to itinerary
  • Must deliver as needed, in-flight service including the handling of alcohol and the service of catering
  • Must load and properly stow on aircraft all baggage as needed
  • Must be able to handle and conduct flights for Owner's with pets and those who smoke.
  • Act as the final authority on his/her aircraft with respect to all areas of operation including the compliance with all applicable safety and regulatory guidance.
  • Acts as a liaison for Owners/ passengers and NetJets from the time the Owners/passengers arrive at the FBO until they have safely landed at their final destination and have departed the final FBO.
  • Responsible for properly communicating any maintenance abnormalities or discrepancies to the Company via the aircraft Maintenance Control Center (MCC) Controller on duty for their fleet
  • Additionally, must properly complete any paperwork associated with maintenance abnormalities or discrepancies.
  • Other duties as assigned depending on assignment.

Note:
It is not possible to list all required job duties on this form. There may be other important duties assigned, depending on the position. For a list of essential job functions, please refer to the essential functions document for this job.
Education
High School
Certifications and Licenses
Written FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
First Class Medical Certificate
Years of Experience
Not Specified
Core Competencies
Adaptability
Collaboration
Strives for Positive Results
Service-Oriented
Curiosity
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other (KSAOs)
FAA ATP, Restricted ATP, or meet the requirements for FAA ATP or Restricted ATP (R-ATP) certificate with multi-engine rating as follows (IAW 61.160):
  • At least 21 years of age
  • 1,500 hours total flight time experience or
  • 1,250 hours with appropriate university R-ATP certificate or
  • 1,000 hours with military pilot qualification or
  • 1,000 hours with appropriate university R-ATP certificate
  • 200 hours cross-country (>50 nm) flight time
  • 250 hours fixed-wing PIC
  • 100 hours of night flying, or 75 hours with ≥45 night takeoffs and landings
  • 75 hours of instrument time (actual or simulated in-flight, excludes simulator time)
  • ATP written completed prior to start of Indoctrination Training
  • 50 hours fixed-wing, multi-engine time
  • Current FAA First-Class Medical certificate
  • FCC Restricted Radio Operator's Permit
  • Valid passport
  • Authorization to work in the U.S. and travel in and out of the country without restriction
  • Must be able to work varying hours including day and night; weekdays, weekends and holidays.
  • Must be extremely flexible and demonstrate the ability to adjust to rapid changes.
  • Must be able to manage his or her rest in order to be prepared for flight duty at all times during their tour.
  • Duty may last for as long as fourteen hours per day for up to eight days and may span different time zones and extreme weather differences in the course of a trip
  • While on duty may be away from home for seven or more days and nights, staying in hotels.
  • Must be able to secure appropriate airport authority and/or US Customs security badges.
  • Must be able to pass Transportation Security Administration required background screening, secure appropriate airport authority and/or US Customs security badges.
  • Must have a valid United States passport and be able to travel internationally without restrictions
  • Must have a valid State driver's license.
  • Must be able to read, write, fluently speak and understand the English language.
  • Must be service-oriented with a neat, well-groomed appearance and a demonstrated ability to make a positive impression including a strong capability to effectively interact with passengers.
  • Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills, especially under pressure.
  • Must demonstrate the ability to make quick and accurate decisions while paying close attention to detail, both technically and from a passenger-service perspective.
  • Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  • Must be able to work around animals, including the handling and care prior to, during and after Owner flights.
  • Must be able to conduct flights for Owners who smoke.

Base Salary Range
$86,015 - $117,706
How NetJets Supports You
NetJets is proud to provide a variety of attractive benefits to our employees, including many at no cost. Employees have access to no cost options including Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, with access to robust networks of nationwide providers. NetJets offers benefits so you can LIVEWELL-a comprehensive package to support your Mind, Body, and Life.
Our comprehensive suite of benefits include:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Healthcare Advocacy
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Health Savings Account with annual employer contribution
  • Wellness Programs & Discounts
  • Paid Time Off
  • Parental Leave of Absence
  • Life and Accident Insurance
  • Voluntary benefits (financial protection plans)
  • 401(k) plan, with 67% of every dollar you contribute matched by NetJets
  • Short and Long-Term Disability
  • Legal Plan
  • Identity Theft Protection Plans
  • Pet Insurance
  • Family & Caregiving Support