How to hire an aviator

How to hire an aviator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step aviator hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your aviator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an aviator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   An aviator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, aviators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of aviators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Aviator	Description	Hourly rate
   Aviator	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	$36-58
   Chief Pilot	A Chief Pilot assigns and oversees the duties of flight and ground personnel. They ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, including federal aviation regulations.	$28-60
   Test Pilot	A test pilot operates and evaluates aircraft to determine its quality and safety. Their responsibilities include gathering and analyzing aircraft data and specifications, assessing the aircraft's features, documenting every procedure, and making a list of recommendations to improve the aircraft's overall quality and performance... Show more	$32-65

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Aircraft Systems
   • Flight Safety
   • Flight Training
   • Fixed Wing Aircraft
   • Emergency Procedures
   • Helicopter Training
   • Flight Operations
   • Water Survival
   • NAS
   • Syllabus
   • Air Station
   • Aircraft Maintenance
   • Mission Planning

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead first successful DoD disaster recovery program utilizing a commercial backup.
   • Assist in select flying operations during a USAF training team visit.
   • Land aircraft with critical malfunctions, preserving millions of dollars in ISR assets.
   • Project manager; organize & execute complex research projects for DoD & interagency customers.
   • Progress to PIC, follow by appointment as company check airman for the Westwind.
   • Experience with multiple specialty payload platforms expanding on the versatile nature of the UAS platform.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your aviator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An aviator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, aviators' average salary in minnesota is 38% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level aviators 38% less than senior-level aviators.
   • Certifications. An aviator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an aviator's salary.

   Average aviator salary

   $97,217yearly

   $46.74 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level aviator salary

   $76,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 31, 2025

4. Writing an aviator job description

   A job description for an aviator 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 aviator job description:

   Aviator job description example

   1. Study aerodynamics, aircraft engine systems, meteorology, navigation, flight planning and flight safety
   2. Train and specialize in EA-18G Growler electronic countermeasures aircraft, E-2C Hawkeye early warning and control aircraft, or the new P-8A Poseidon antisubmarine aircraft
   3. Electronically detect and track ships, submarines, aircraft and missiles

   WORK ENVIRONMENT

   As a Navy Pilot or an NFO, missions and assignments can be anywhere around the globe. This includes working from carrier battle groups, or other sea-based platforms, and at Naval Air Stations or other locations on shore.

   TRAINING & ADVANCEMENT

   Those entering aviation programs must first attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI, and then complete a six-week air indoctrination course at Naval Aviation Schools Command, in Pensacola, FL. From there, prospective Pilots and NFOs attend primary flight training.

   Pilots and NFOs then request an aircraft pipeline and enter the intermediate phase of flight training, which builds upon basic flight and navigation training. The final phase is advanced naval flight training, focusing on mission specifics. After completion, Pilots and NFOs are awarded their “wings of gold” and report to their respective Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRSs) for further training specific to their aircraft.

   Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance. It's also important to note that specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields.

   EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

   Following your initial flying tour as a Navy Pilot or an NFO, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA, where you may be able to earn a master's or doctoral degree while being paid full-time.

   QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

   A four-year degree is required to work as a Navy Pilot or Naval Flight Officer. Candidates seeking an Officer position in this community must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in a technical field.

   All candidates must also be U.S. citizens, willing to serve worldwide and qualified for sea duty.

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

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find aviators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your aviator job on Zippia to find and recruit aviator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit aviators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete 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 aviator

   Once you've found the aviator 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 equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new aviator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

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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