Editor's note: The following article is not intended to be a ranking, but is only to serve as a list of possible options. As the saying goes, your mileage may vary.
Michigan has the highest annual mean wage for pilots in the U.S. at $259,010. But the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area is also in the top 10 metropolitan areas for employment, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics.
If you’re considering becoming a pilot, Michigan is a great place to do it. Learn more about your prospects in the area by reviewing the best pilot jobs in Michigan.
Quicklook: Pilot Job Companies in Michigan
- Spectrum Health
- SkyWest Airlines
- USA Jet Airlines
- Nicholas Air
- Ameriflight
- Atlas Air
- Kalitta Air LLC
- CHI Aviation
8 Michigan Pilot Jobs
The airline industry is thriving in Michigan with many outstanding pilot jobs. From entry-level positions at regional airlines to helicopter pilot jobs at ambulatory employers, you’ll have plenty of options for how to grow your career in Michigan.
Spectrum Health
Spectrum Health includes 14 hospitals throughout Michigan along with many other health centers. As a pilot for the company, you can help transport executive team members to various areas of the state or you can get a helicopter job providing life-saving transportation for those who need medical care fast.
Established: 1997
Location: Company headquarters are located at 100 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: 866-989-7999
- Website: https://www.spectrumhealth.org/
Employees: 31,000
Types of Jobs: Corporate pilot, ambulatory helicopter pilot
Services Provided: Health and wellness
Revenue: $8.3 billion
Google Rating: 4.5/5 stars on 2 reviews
SkyWest Airlines
SkyWest Airlines includes Delta, United, American and Alaska airlines. It’s a company with great growth opportunities to help you develop your pilot career. Once you’ve landed your first job with the company, you should have no problems growing and expanding your career while working for the airline.
Established: 1972
Location: Headquarters are located at 444 S River Rd., St. George, UT 84790 but the airline also flies out of Detroit where they hire many pilots
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: 435-634-3000
- Website: https://skywest.com/
Employees: 14,892
Types of Jobs: Commercial airline pilot
Services Provided: Commercial airline services
Revenue: $745 million
Google Rating: 4.5/5 stars on 74 reviews
USA Jet Airlines
USA Jet Airlines is a division of Ascent Global Logistics and provides air charter freight. Although the company once provided passenger services, it now solely focuses on freight services with a fleet size of 12.
Established: 1994
Location: 2068 E St., Belleville, MI 48111
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: 734-547-7200
- Website: https://usajet.aero/
Employees: 360
Types of Jobs: Cargo pilot
Services Provided: Freight transportation
Revenue: $107 million
Google Rating: 4.4/5 stars on 7 reviews
Nicholas Air
Find greater flexibility and fly the newest aircraft when you work for Nicholas Air out of Swartz Creek, Michigan. The private charter jet airline includes a fleet with an average age of 5 years. The company is forward-thinking and modern, which you can see from the fact that they accept bitcoin payments and work with a variety of customers.
Established: 1997
Location: Headquarters are located at 300 S Lamar Ct., Oxford, MS 38655 but the company also has a location in Swartz Creek, Michigan.
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: 866-935-7771
- Website: https://www.nicholasair.com/
Employees: 50
Types of Jobs: Private charter pilot
Services Provided: Private charter jet service, aircraft management, fractional ownership, private jet lease
Revenue: $6.6 million
Google Rating: 4.1/5 stars on 9 reviews
Ameriflight
Ameriflight is the largest part 135 cargo airline in the country. It provides freight services for large companies like FedEx, DHL and UPS to support the supply chain. As a pilot, you’d be helping move 30 tons of cargo daily.
Established: 1968
Location: 1515 W. 20th St., DFW Airport, TX 75261 but the company also has a location in Lansing, Michigan.
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: 972-426-3066
- Website: https://w3.ameriflight.com/
Employees: 600
Types of Jobs: Cargo pilot
Services Provided: Freight transportation
Revenue: $204 million
Google Rating: 4.5/5 stars on 8 reviews
Atlas Air
Atlas Air offers a diverse set of services from cargo transportation to passenger solutions. The company transports celebrities and dignitaries with excellent customer service and care. You’ll work within a company well known for its technology and highly respected in its area of expertise.
Established: 1992
Location: 516 Express Center Dr., Chicago, IL 60666 with locations in Detroit, Michigan
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: 914-701-8000
- Website: https://www.atlasair.com/
Employees: 4,061
Types of Jobs: Cargo freight pilot, passenger airline pilot
Services Provided: Cargo and passenger airline
Revenue: $2.7 billion
Google Rating: 4.6/5 stars on 7 reviews
Kalitta Air LLC
Kalitta Air LLC is a cargo transportation company and pilot training center. The company uses cutting-edge technology to keep its pilots informed and communicate with customers throughout the supply chain.
Established: 1999
Location: 818 Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: 734-484-0088
- Website: https://www.kalittaair.com/
Employees: 1,100
Types of Jobs: Cargo pilot
Services Provided: Cargo freight transportation
Revenue: $232.5 million
Google Rating: 4.5/5 stars on 27 reviews
CHI Aviation
CHI Aviation is a small company that offers a variety of aerial and aviation services. Working for CHI Aviation provides pilots with a different employment experience than large commercial airlines or even companies that provide strictly cargo transportation. You’ll get diverse experiences while flying for CHI Aviation.
Established: 1980
Location: 3679 Bowen Road, Howell, MI 48855
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: 800-521-5130
- Website: https://chiaviation.com/
Employees: 141
Types of Jobs: A variety of pilot job types are available including both fixed-wing and helicopter jobs
Services Provided: Construction equipment transportation, cargo transport, aerial firefighting, DoD passengers
Revenue: $26.6 million
Google Rating: This company does not have Google reviews yet
Diverse Pilot Employment Opportunities
The best pilot jobs in Michigan offer diverse types of opportunities from small businesses to large international airlines. As a growing industry, you won’t regret pursuing a career as a pilot and with high compensation rates in the state, Michigan is a great place to begin or build your career. For more career insights and aviation news, get a FLYING Magazine subscription today!
FAQ
What is the Highest Paying Pilot Job?
Commercial airline captains for international flights have the highest paying pilot jobs. These jobs generally pay $200,000-$300,000 per year in base salary.
Is It Hard to Get a Job as a Pilot?
No, pilots are in high demand so as long as you’ve completed your commercial pilot training, you should have no trouble getting a job as a pilot.
Are Pilots in High Demand?
Yes, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that pilot jobs will grow 13% from 2020-2030. That’s faster job growth than the average across all employment sectors.
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