How to hire an airline pilot/first officer

How to hire an airline pilot/first officer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step airline pilot/first officer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an airline pilot/first officer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new airline pilot/first officer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an airline pilot/first officer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the airline pilot/first officer you need to hire. Certain airline pilot/first officer roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect airline pilot/first officer also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list presents airline pilot/first officer salaries for various positions.

   Type of Airline Pilot/First Officer	Description	Hourly rate
   Airline Pilot/First Officer	Airline and commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. Airline pilots fly for airlines that transport people and cargo on a fixed schedule... Show more	$35-57
   Flight Commander	A Flight Commander is the leader of a constituent portion of an aerial squadron in aerial operations, often into combat. The position is traditionally held by a captain, naval lieutenant, or air force flight lieutenant.	$23-48
   Flight Engineer	A Flight Engineer monitors and controls various aircraft systems, such as airplanes and helicopters. They ensure that all components of the plane are in proper working order, as well as diagnose and rectify problems that may arise.	$26-62

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Customer Service
   • Flight Operations
   • ATP
   • Federal Aviation
   • Operations Manuals
   • Air Traffic Control
   • Aircraft Systems

   Responsibilities:

   • Serve as a professional pilot managing a flight crew and ensuring safe transportation of VIP's internationally.
   • Assist with all aspects of administration, logistics and equipment inventory, ensuring successful financial execution.
   • License in both single-engine and multi-engine airplanes.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your airline pilot/first officer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An airline pilot/first officer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, airline pilot/first officers' average salary in indiana is 40% less than in oregon.
   • Seniority. Entry-level airline pilot/first officers earn 38% less than senior-level airline pilot/first officers.
   • Certifications. An airline pilot/first officer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an airline pilot/first officer's salary.

   Average airline pilot/first officer salary

   $94,830yearly

   $45.59 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level airline pilot/first officer salary

   $74,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 31, 2025

   Average airline pilot/first officer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Pennsylvania	$112,323	$54
   2	Utah	$106,673	$51
   3	Texas	$105,379	$51
   4	Florida	$105,319	$51
   5	New York	$105,252	$51
   6	New Jersey	$105,135	$51
   7	Illinois	$100,382	$48
   8	California	$100,210	$48
   9	Ohio	$98,161	$47
   10	Missouri	$92,020	$44
   11	District of Columbia	$89,759	$43
   12	Massachusetts	$89,614	$43
   13	Indiana	$78,338	$38

   Average airline pilot/first officer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Republic Airways Holdings	$94,633	$45.50	2
   2	SkyWest Airlines	$94,574	$45.47	5
   3	CommutAir	$93,628	$45.01

4. Writing an airline pilot/first officer job description

   A job description for an airline pilot/first officer role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's an airline pilot/first officer job description:

   Airline pilot/first officer job description example

   Pilot
   
   At Republic Airways, our vision is to be America's regional airline of choice, and our 6,000 associates work together each day to achieve that by providing a safe, clean and reliable flying experience. Whether the role is on the aircraft or in the office, every person at Republic contributes to our success and our family-oriented work environment.
   
   Since our founding in 1974, we've grown to become the world's largest operator of the Embraer 170/175 jet, flying more than 1000 flights daily for our partners, American Airline, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Beyond our operations, we're focused on sharing our time, talents and treasures with our community-both locally and globally.
   
   Join Republic Airways where you will find opportunities, reach new heights and be part of something bigger than yourself. Republic Airways, opportunity elevated.
   
   \#WhyRepublic
   
   **NOW HIRING CAPTAIN READY PILOTS. EARN UP TO $60,000 IN BONUSES.**
   
   **POSITION PURPOSE**
   
   Supports aircraft Captain by ensuring safe and timely piloting of aircraft and performing other aircraft management duties.
   
   **ESSENTIAL DUTIES**
   
   _To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned to this position as needed._
   
   + Provides the Captain with proper planning of each flight utilizing all applicable weather information and reports in accordance with Company policies and procedures and Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).
   
   + Determines that the aircraft is air-worthy in accordance with FARs and Company policies and procedures; completes appropriate preflight inspections.
   
   + Along with the Captain, ensures the flight is planned and fueled properly so that the flight may be conducted safely and in accordance with policies and regulations.
   
   + Safely, properly and effectively operates the aircraft during the designated period of duty in accordance with the Captain's instruction, FARs, and Company policies and procedures.
   
   + Maintains a thorough working knowledge of the equipment operated, FARs governing the operation of equipment, and manuals, policies, procedures, and other instructions.
   
   + Notifies crew and passengers of turbulent weather conditions or any other operational factors affecting the flight.
   
   + Completes the load manifest for each flight.
   
   + Contributes to a reliable and on-time operation by assisting the Captain in meeting all report times, departure times, and minimum turn times.
   
   + While at the terminal, assists with and ensures proper handling of aircraft, passengers, baggage, and cargo.
   
   + Maintains regular and reliable attendance according to Company procedures and practices.
   
   + Presents a professional appearance and adheres to the Company uniform dress code.
   
   + Conducts self professionally at all times while on duty and observes the Rules of Conduct for all associates as outlined in the Flight Operations Manual, Associate Handbook and other related policies and procedures.
   
   + Continues professional training towards upgrading performance and abilities.
   
   + Performs other duties as assigned by the Company and the Captain.
   
   **REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES**
   
   _The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability necessary to perform this job._
   
   EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
   
   + High School diploma or GED.
   
   + Must meet the minimum requirements for an ATP or RATP certificate.
   
   + ATP written is preferred.
   
   + Meet the current interview and hiring minimum age and flight hours requirements set by the FAA and Company.
   
   If a candidate interviews with the interview minimums, but not the hiring minimums, s/he will be eligible for hire upon successful completion of the interview process if s/he:
   
   + Meets the Hiring Minimums within six months of the interview date.
   
   + Has no certificate action since the date of the interview.
   
   + Has no misdemeanors or felonies since the interview date.
   
   + Accepts class date within six months of the interview date.
   
   PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
   
   Prior customer service experience, preferably in an aviation environment.
   
   LANGUAGE SKILLS
   
   Ability to read, analyze, interpret and understand technical procedures and governmental regulations, sometimes quickly and under stressful or emergency situations. Able to effectively present information to and respond to questions from management, dispatch, crew, passengers, air traffic control, and the general public. Able to speak and be understood in English, including shouted verbal commands during emergency situations.
   
   REASONING/PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY
   
   Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only
   
   limited standardization exists. Capable of interpreting a variety of and multiple instructions furnished in
   
   written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Must be able to remain calm, think and react quickly in all types
   
   of emergency situations including but not limited to: medical emergencies, aircraft decompression,
   
   emergency evacuations, fires, security threats, passenger disturbances, turbulence, etc.
   
   DECISION MAKING & IMPACT OF ERRORS
   
   Makes decisions to support strategic direction. Decisions tend to be medium range and of medium significance with moderate consequences, but may in unusual situations be significant and have safety-of-flight consequences. Decisions could require additional expenditure of resources if not sound and may impact safety. Able to process information quickly and react in a positive manner during unexpected and/or serious situations. Capable of controlling personal and emotional responses and acting appropriately under high levels of stress.
   
   **PHYSICAL DEMANDS**
   
   _The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job._
   
   + Able to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, squat and/or crawl.
   
   + Able to sit without standing for long periods of time.
   
   + Capable of lifting or moving items at different heights weighing up to 75 pounds.
   
   + Able to adhere to the visual demands set in the medical standards established by the FAA.
   
   + Able to hear clearly verbal communications in person, on the telephone, and over a headset with ambient aircraft and passenger noise.
   
   + Possess the stamina needed to work long days, on sequential days, with frequent change in temperatures, climate and weather conditions.
   
   + Must be able to move about the aircraft and perform all required functions freely, effectively and quickly in confined environment.
   
   + Must be able to sit in pilot's seat or assigned jump seat with seatbelt and shoulder harness fastened without any modifications.
   
   **WORK ENVIRONMENT**
   
   _The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job._
   
   + This position requires the ability to work near moving mechanical parts.
   
   + Withstand outdoor weather conditions within an open air hangar and on the flight line for extended periods.
   
   + The noise level may be loud and use of headset is required.
   
   + Willing and able to work extended duty periods on sequential days, as well as a varied schedule, including early morning, nights, overnights and weekends.
   
   **TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS**
   
   Travel up to 100% of the time, including nights, weekends, holidays and overnight stays. Able to work extended hours with lack of scheduling control and be ready to report to work with little notice. Willing to relocate based on the Company's operational needs.
   
   **Equal Opportunity Employment and Disability Accommodations**
   
   Republic Airways is committed to achieving a diverse workforce by providing equal employment opportunities to all Associates and applicants, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type with regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We are committed to providing applicants and Associates reasonable accommodation to enable the individual to perform the essential duties of the job. If you require accommodation, please contact Human Resources.

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5. Post your job

   To find the right airline pilot/first officer for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with airline pilot/first officers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit airline pilot/first officers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your airline pilot/first officer job on Zippia to find and recruit airline pilot/first officer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with airline pilot/first officer candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new airline pilot/first officer

   Once you've found the airline pilot/first officer candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new airline pilot/first officer first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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