How Much Do F-35 Pilots Earn Compared To F-22 Pilots In 2026?

All United States Air Force fighter jet pilots are required to be commissioned officers. This is also true of the US Navy, the Marine Corps, and many US allies (e.g., the Royal Air Force). The main exception is the Army, where helicopter pilots may be warrant officers. Fighter pilots operate with a high level of responsibility and decision-making and often have to make independent, split-second decisions in combat that can have major strategic or political consequences.