In the world of aviation, pilots are held in high regard and respected for their skill, dedication, and reliability. Because of this, there are many different types of jobs that pilots can take on after their careers pilots come to an end.
If you’re considering retiring from your career as a pilot, here are some alternative jobs for a pilot.
Land More Interviews With A Professional Resume
Get a professional resume review from a certified career expert
Airline Pilot
If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where everything is constantly changing, becoming an airline pilot may be the right fit for you. As an airline pilot, you’ll be responsible for flying an airplane from one location to another.
There are many different types of airline pilots, including cargo pilots, commercial pilots, and even those who specialize in military aircraft. As an airline pilot, you could work directly for the airline or as a contractor for a third-party company that provides services to airlines.
Whether you’re a commercial pilot or a cargo pilot, the job requires you to have excellent vision. You need to be able to see clearly in order to safely operate an aircraft, especially during landing and takeoff.
Private Pilot
If you’re a private pilot, your job is to fly a single-engine airplane that can carry up to four people. You may need an instrument rating in order to fly in bad weather or at night, as well as additional training for more advanced aircraft such as gliders and helicopters. As a private pilot, you may work directly for an airline or another company that requires pilots for their business needs.
You may also be self-employed, which means that you’ll need to find clients on your own. If you’re self-employed, however, your earnings will vary depending on how many hours you work and what type of aircraft you use.
Pilot Ground Instructor
The job of a pilot ground instructor is to teach students how to fly. You may work at a flight school or with an airline, and your duties will vary depending on the needs of your employer. For example, if you’re working for an airline, your main responsibility may be to train new pilots who are learning how to fly for the first time.
If you work at a flight school, your duties may include giving lessons to students who are learning how to fly for the first time and helping experienced pilots learn new skills. You may also instruct pilots who want to earn their license or become certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
If you’re a pilot who has plenty of experience under his or her belt and enjoys helping others learn to fly, becoming a flight instructor may be the perfect alternative job for you.
Science and Research
You’re probably familiar with the phrase “the pursuit of knowledge.” That’s exactly what scientists do every day: They seek to learn more about the world around them. As a pilot, you need to understand how your plane works and what could go wrong in order to prevent accidents and keep yourself safe.
That same ability to think critically and solve problems is what makes you such an excellent candidate for a career in science. As a pilot, you’ve already learned how to use data and statistics to make decisions about safety. Now all you need to do is take that skill set into the lab and apply it to research projects.
Freight Pilot
Freight pilots are responsible for flying large aircraft that transport cargo. This can include everything from food, clothing, and building materials to mail and passengers. As a freight pilot, you’re responsible for safely transporting your goods while obeying all FAA regulations.
In addition to flying the plane, you’ll be responsible for keeping up with weather reports and making sure the aircraft is in good condition before takeoff. You’ll also need to be able to read maps and charts as well as communicate clearly with air traffic controllers.
Business Pilot
Business pilots fly for companies that require regular transportation for their employees. This can include everything from taking executives to meetings to flying sports teams across the country. As a business pilot, you’ll be responsible for flying according to FAA regulations as well as any other requirements set by your employer.
You’ll also need to be able to handle a variety of different types of aircraft and perform other necessary duties, such as refueling, cleaning, and maintaining your plane. Some business pilots are also required to have ancillary training, such as first aid or CPR certification.

Ambulance and Rescue
If you’re interested in becoming an ambulance or rescue pilot, you will need to become licensed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Once this is complete, you can find work with a variety of different organizations, such as hospitals, fire departments, and search-and-rescue groups. In some cases, it may be necessary for pilots to also have EMT training or certification.
The job of an air ambulance pilot is one that will take you to all corners of the world, helping those in need. From saving lives in areas devastated by natural disasters to transporting critically injured patients from rural areas to urban centers, there are many ways to make a difference as an air ambulance or rescue pilot.
Military Pilot
Military pilots are a unique group of aviators. They are trained to fly military aircraft and perform combat missions for the United States Air Force, Navy, or Marines. To become a military pilot, you must first apply to one of these branches of the armed forces and meet their prerequisites and requirements.
Once you are accepted, you will be trained to become a pilot. The military trains pilots in a variety of aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters. After training is complete, military pilots may be assigned to different bases across the country or around the world.
Land More Interviews With A Professional Resume
Get a professional resume review from a certified career expert
Conclusion
So in the end, pilots can be successful elsewhere in the aviation field. For example, Veteran’s Affairs also hires pilots to help with medical transportation needs. In addition, many corporate companies hire ex-pilots for other jobs around their company, like human resources or marketing.
Your resume will be reviewed by a hiring manager before you are hired. You may use it as a marketing strategy to convince a potential employer to hire you. You’ll be less likely to be called in for a job interview if your resume is poorly written.
If you need assistance with your resume or cover letter, our team of experts can help. Give us an opportunity to help you create the best possible resume for your application.