An F/A-18 Super Hornet launches from aircraft carrier USS George Washington as a part of Valiant Shield 2026 in the Philippine Sea on June 27, 2026. (Andrew Novak/U.S. Navy)
The Navy has announced a slew of bonuses that offer reserve aviators the chance to earn as much as $280,000 over a seven-year period.
The incentives are part of the Navy’s annual Training and Administration of the Reserve Aviation Department Head Retention program announced in late June.
The bonuses will be paid in three, five or seven annual installments, according to the Navy Administrative Message. The lowest bonus is $15,000 per year and the highest is $40,000.
Eligible roles among the 16 jobs include helicopter sea combat pilots, airborne command-and-control naval flight officers and electronic attack squadron pilots.
The bonuses are part of a wider effort in the military to keep experienced pilots in the ranks rather than lose them to the private sector.
United Airlines launched a recruiting pipeline program in 2024 that seeks to hire ex-military pilots.
The Air Force in April announced eligible and active-duty airmen can apply for the fiscal year 2026 aviation bonus offering higher compensation for shorter contract lengths, particularly in the fighter, bomber and U-2 communities. The shortest contracts go for three years while the longest are 12 years. The rates go up to $50,000 per year, depending on the applicant’s field and experience.
All contracts must be received by the Training and Administration of the Reserve Distribution and Augmentation by Aug. 26, the Navy said.
