How to hire a jet pilot

How to hire a jet pilot, step by step

Here's a step-by-step jet pilot hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your jet pilot 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 a jet pilot 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

   Hiring the perfect jet pilot 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 jet pilot salaries for various positions.

   Type of Jet Pilot	Description	Hourly rate
   Jet Pilot	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	$36-64
   Aviator	An aviator, also known as a pilot, operates aircraft for commercial or private use. Although their duties vary upon their company or industry of employment, it usually entails performing regular inspections before and after every flight, coordinating with staff, maintaining an active communication line with air traffic controller, determining routes and schedules, analyzing flight plans, and monitoring the weather conditions... Show more	$36-58
   Pilot Instructor	The key role of a Pilot Instructor is to teach students procedures and techniques about how to fly aircraft. They offer instruction for both on the ground and in the sky, prepare lesson plans, and assess and monitor students performance.	$28-63

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • FAA
   • Flight Operations
   • Customer Service
   • Fars

   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.
   • React with expedite mission management and delegate to the aircrews for efficient no-notice helicopter launches.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, jet pilots' average salary in minnesota is 40% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level jet pilots 44% less than senior-level jet pilots.
   • Certifications. A jet pilot 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 a jet pilot's salary.

   Average jet pilot salary

   $101,375yearly

   $48.74 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level jet pilot salary

   $76,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a jet pilot job description

   A good jet pilot job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a jet pilot job description:

   Jet pilot job description example

   At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. From the seabed to outer space, you can contribute to work that matters with a company where diversity, equity and inclusion are shared values. We're committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that's welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.
   
   Boeing Executive Flight Operations is looking for a Senior Corporate Jet Pilot (PIC) to join our team in Gary, IN (Chicago Area). You will function as Pilot-in-Command on a single type jet aircraft to support the transportation requirements of company executives or their designees. This role will coordinate planning and conduct safe flights while complying with all company ground and flight operation directives and applicable federal aviation, domestic and international flight regulations and requirements. As a key member of a high performing and dynamic team, you will act as the flight operations representative while operating in a fast-paced environment. Boeing's corporate aviation operation is an International Standard for Business Aviation Operations (ISBAO) Stage III operator supporting high volume global operations with a fleet of Boeing Business Jets (737) and Bombardier Challenger 650s. In this role, you will be working with a diverse team that prioritizes safety and quality, without compromise to our company values.
   
   This role requires the selected candidate to travel domestically and internationally 90% of the time.
   
   * Responsible for the safety of passengers, crewmembers, ground crew and any other personnel working in or around the aircraft to which they are assigned
   
   * Ensure the aircraft is operated safely in accordance with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations, International Civil Aviation Organization regulations (ICAO), Executive Flight Operation's Operating Manual and Aircraft Manufacturer's limitations
   * Lead a crew during preflight, in-flight and post-flight operations
   
   * Identify and document any flight deficiencies, safety related items and coordinate resolution
   
   * Collaborate with the flight crew, Operations Control Center (OCC), peers and maintenance personnel in meeting objectives
   
   * Contribute beyond the flight deck with departmental initiatives as directed
   
   This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.
   
   Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
   
   Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
   
   * Commercial Certificate or FAA ATP with appropriate endorsements or military equivalent
   
   * Experience with FAR 91, 91K, 125, 135, 121 and/or Military Operations
   
   * Ability to obtain FAA First Class Medical certificate
   
   * 4000 flight hours
   
   Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
   
   * CL604 or Boeing 737 Type Rating
   
   * Aviation Safety Background
   
   * Demonstrated interest in personal development
   
   * High Personal Standards
   
   * Work experience on Bombardier and/or Boeing aircraft
   
   Typical Education/Experience:
   
   Technical bachelor's degree and typically 9 or more years' related work experience or a Master's degree with typically 7 or more years' or a PhD degree with typically 4 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
   
   Relocation:
   
   This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.
   
   Drug Free Workplace:
   
   Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
   
   Shift:
   
   This position is for variable shift.
   
   Safety Sensitive:
   
   This is a safety-sensitive position and is subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) random drug and alcohol testing.
   
   At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
   
   The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
   
   The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
   
   Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
   
   Summary pay range: 143,350 - 213,000
   
   Equal Opportunity Employer:
   
   Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
   
   Experience Level
   
   Individual Contributor
   
   Contingent Upon Program Award
   
   No, this position is not contingent upon program award
   
   Schedule
   
   Full time
   
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5. Post your job

   To find the right jet pilot 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 jet pilots they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit jet pilots 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 jet pilot job on Zippia to find and recruit jet pilot candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with jet pilot 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 jet pilot

   Once you have selected a candidate for the jet pilot position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   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.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new jet pilot. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

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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