First Officer – Pilot Jobs in Canada

If you are contemplating taking a further step in your flight career, then being a First Officer in Canada might be an excellent option for you. This position is the most essential part of any flight crew and also allows the pilots to gain experience while working in a vibrant aviation scene.
Whether you have only completed your flight school or you have already accumulated a few hours, First Officer jobs are perfectly suitable for building your flying hours, polishing your skills, and advancing your flying career.

So, hey, what is a First Officer’s job?

A First Officer, also called co-pilot, is the person who cooperates with the Captain and assists in controlling the plane during all parts of the flight. Although the Captain has authority, the First Officer is very much the leader of many tasks and thus, the contribution of utmost importance to the work that makes every flight safe and successful.

Main responsibilities include:

• Conducting pre-flight inspections and briefings

• Assisting with flight planning and fuel calculations

• Monitoring instruments and systems during flight

• Handling radio communications with air traffic control

• Supporting decision-making during normal and emergency procedures

• Logging flight time and maintaining accurate records

• Ensuring compliance with aviation regulations and company procedures

This is a hands-on role that requires strong focus, professionalism, and a team-first attitude. In many flights, the First Officer will take the controls for departure, climb, cruise, or landing — often alternating legs with the Captain.

Where First Officers Work in Canada

Canada’s geography and airspace make for a uniquely diverse flying experience. First Officers can work in a wide range of operations, including domestic passenger service, international routes, regional flying, and cargo transport.

Some of the most common employers include:

• Air Canada

• WestJet

• Jazz Aviation

• Porter Airlines

• PAL Airlines

• Sunwing

• Cargojet

• Air Inuit, Wasaya, and other northern operators

Each airline or charter service operates different aircraft types, schedules, and route structures. Some First Officers fly short regional hops in turboprops, while others co-pilot jets across the continent or overseas.

Qualifications and Requirements

As a candidate for the First Officer role in Canada, you need to fulfill certain categorized licensing and experience criteria. While there are distinct hiring prerequisites for each employer, most open positions have the following basic criteria:

Minimum Criteria:

• CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) accredited by Transport Canada
• Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (Group 1 IFR)
• Medical Class Category One Certificate
• Unrestricted passport
• Legal status as resident eligible for employment in Canada
• Flight hours ranging from 250 to 500, varying with the company.
• Some regional operators are flexible with hiring low time pilots and provide training programs to develop them into the position.

Additional Preferable Qualifications:

• Possessing ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) or in progress
• Flight Instructors License
• Acquired multi-crew experience (either through MCC course or actual flying).
• Postsecondary degree in the aviation field
• Ability to speak and collaborate effectively as a team while demonstrating leadership.
• With the right attitude, professional demeanor, and stress management skills, these traits coupled with your flight time, make you an ideal candidate.

Salary Expectations

In Canada, First Officer salaries differ based on the airline, type of aircraft, region, and individual experience. New graduates will start with modest pay, while more experienced first officers, especially with years of service, receive competitive pay.

Average Annual Salary Ranges:

Regional Airlines: $40,000 to $70,000

Major Airlines: $70,000 to $120,000

Cargo Operators: $60,000 to $100,000

Many employers also offer additional compensation, including per diems, overtime, profit-sharing, and annual performance bonuses. Travel benefits, healthcare, and pension options are common as well.

You will see an increase in your pay as you gain more experience and move up in rank, and you will be able to promote to Captain when it makes sense.

Career Progression

Achieving the First Officer rank is an important milestone in the long and fulfilling aviation journey. It is the initial position for most pilots as they progress through their career.

Typical Career Path:

Complete an accredited flight training program.

1. Build hours as a flight instructor or charter pilot

2. Get hired as a First Officer with a regional, charter, or cargo company

3. Gain flight time and experience, then apply to major airlines

4. Upgrade to Captain once eligible

5. Transition to check pilot, training roles, or management

Some First Officers also move into specialty flying — such as firefighting, medevac, search and rescue, or executive jet operations.

Work Schedule and Lifestyle

A First Officer’s schedule depends heavily on the airline and type of flying. You can expect:

• Variable hours, including weekends and holidays

• Early morning departures and overnight layovers

• Multi-day trips followed by rest days

• Time away from home and irregular routines

While the job comes with challenges, it also offers the opportunity to travel, experience new places, and fly advanced aircraft. Many pilots find the flexibility and variety more rewarding than a traditional office job.

Tips to Get Hired as a First Officer

If you’re just starting out, competition for First Officer jobs can be strong — especially at major carriers. However, there are things you can do to give yourself a better chance:

• Build quality flight hours — not just quantity

• Network — attend job fairs, connect with other pilots, and follow airlines’ recruitment news

• Tailor your resume — highlight multi-crew experience, leadership, and decision-making

• Keep learning — simulator time, safety courses, and regular study all help

• Stay current — make sure your logbook, medical, and licences are up to date

Showing professionalism and a solid understanding of airline operations will help you stand out during interviews and simulator assessments.

Why Consider an Open First Officer Position in Canada?

Few countries offer such a diverse and beautiful flying environment as Canada. Whether it’s traversing the Rockies or flying in Northern winter conditions, the aviation experience Canadian pilots gain is unmatched.

The country also features a well-established aviation industry, stable governing authorities, and increasing demand for mid-level position pilots due to retirements and expansion of the fleets. For driven aviators, it’s an excellent opportunity to secure their future.

Ready to Take Action?

If flying is your passion and you are looking to become a member of an airline’s flight crew, start looking for First Officer vacancies in Canada. Be it operating international jets or flying regional routes, the journey begins right here, in the right seat of the aircraft.