You really need at least one of the following:
check airman 121/135
captain 121/135
chief pilot 141 school
dpe
or a similar military background.
That isn't isn't absolute, but typical of those that are hired. There has been a great deal of hiring lately, which will most likely continue, and may increase if funding is granted.
Typically candidates have been hired after three years of having first applied. This recently has been reduced to nine months, and again that is only typical.
Starting pay is typically GS-12, step one, which is around $70,000 +- $5,000 depending on location. These pay scales and locality increases are listed on the OPM website.