While the world sleeps, a cargo pilot is at work.They move packages across the globe at night, earning some of the highest pay in aviation.
What Is a Cargo Pilot?
So, what exactly is a cargo pilot? A professional aviator who flies freight instead of passengers—air transport pilot is the formal title, and airline transport pilot is the required certification.
A commonly asked question in the industry: why do cargo planes fly at night? Packages must arrive by morning, and night flying avoids passenger traffic, allowing faster turns, quieter airports, and on-time deliveries while the rest of the world sleeps. For pilots on this schedule, balancing career and personal life is the key to long-term success.
Airline Transport Pilot License and Certification
Airline transport pilot license is the gold standard for cargo pilots. Air transport pilot license requires 1,500 total hours, including 500 cross-country hours, 100 night hours, and 250 hours as pilot-in-command. Air transport pilot requirements also include being at least 23 years old and holding a first-class medical.
However, there are exceptions. Military pilots can qualify for an airline transport pilot atp license with 750 hours. Four-year aviation graduates qualify at 1,000 hours. Two-year graduates at 1,250 hours.
Before taking the ATP test, you must complete the airline transport pilot certification training program (ATP CTP). This five-day course covers advanced systems and simulator training. The airline transport pilot certification training program costs around $5,000. Airline transport pilot license cost depends on the training provider, though many airlines reimburse the fees. Either way, it is a worthwhile investment.
And one of the most important questions: how long does it take to become a cargo pilot? From zero experience, plan on five to eight years. Most pilots build time as flight instructors before moving to cargo feeders, then to ACMI carriers, and finally to legacy cargo.
Air Cargo Pilot Jobs
Cargo pilot jobs fall into three tiers:
- At the entry level, feeder carriers like Ameriflight, Mountain Air Cargo, and Martinaire operate turboprops from small airports to major hubs. These are common cargo pilot jobs for pilots building experience.
- In the middle tier, ACMI carriers (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) such as Atlas Air, Kalitta Air, and Air Transport International fly heavy jets on international routes. Air transport international pilot job opportunities are found here.
- At the top tier, legacy cargo carriers FedEx Express and UPS Airlines offer destination careers with top pay and pensions. Air cargo pilot jobs at this level are the most competitive.
How much does a cargo pilot make a year?
As we covered in our guide to the highest pilot salaries, cargo pilot salary is among the best in aviation. At legacy carriers like FedEx and UPS, captains earn between $289 and $351 per hour, pushing veteran pilots well over $350,000 per year. Even at ACMI operators like Atlas Air, cargo pilot salary remains strong. For those flying international routes, air transport international pilot pay can reach $700,000 with bonuses.
The gap between cargo pilot vs commercial pilot salary often favors cargo, thanks to night differentials, overtime, and superior benefit packages.
Conclusion
The demand for cargo pilots is not slowing down. E-commerce continues to grow, and freight must move. If you are willing to work while others sleep, the opportunities are there. Cargo flying is one of the best careers in aviation. The path is long. The destination is worth it.
