Pilot Jobs in California
Pilot jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, with demand concentrated in commercial aviation, cargo operations, military contract flying, and regional airline service. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are the primary hiring hubs, anchored by carriers and operators such as United Airlines, FedEx, and Alaska Airlines, all of which maintain significant California operations. The most consistent openings are for airline transport pilots, cargo pilots, and corporate or charter pilots with instrument ratings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Chief Pilot, the Co-Pilot & Maintenance Specialist serves as a versatile, hands-on support person responsible for assisting with aviation operations, property and equipment maintenance, and day-to-day projects.
This position is intended to function as a dependable “co-pilot” to the Chief Pilot—someone who can anticipate needs, assist with projects, troubleshoot problems, and step in wherever needed to keep aircraft, hangars, vehicle fleet, properties, equipment, and related operations organized, maintained, and functioning properly.
The ideal candidate has strong mechanical skills, self-motivated, organized, and comfortable transitioning between aviation responsibilities and hands-on maintenance or project work throughout the day.
Essential Job Functions
- Serve as co-pilot/SIC and provide flight-related assistance as needed.
- Assist the Chief Pilot with aviation, maintenance, property, equipment, and special projects on multiple aircrafts.
- Help coordinate and schedule ongoing aircraft maintenance and required services.
- Assist with performing preflight readiness checks, including fluids, aircraft equipment, manuals, certifications, operational forms, software, navigation systems, and other required items.
- Assist with maintaining and updating aircraft-related software, iPads, Garmin systems, equipment lists, and applicable monitoring systems.
- Assist with flight planning, weight and balance calculations, and other flight preparation duties.
- Help maintain multiple aircraft hangars and coordinate aircraft and hangar cleaning as needed.
- Perform routine vehicle fleet maintenance, repairs, and general upkeep at company-owned or managed properties.
- Troubleshoot maintenance and equipment issues and determine whether repairs can be completed internally or require a specialized technician.
- Perform vehicle fleet maintenance and repair work, including low voltage, HVAC, electrical, mechanical, automotive, equipment and fixtures within the employee's capabilities.
- Operate hand tools, power tools, vehicles, and motorized equipment as required.
- Monitor equipment and building systems through applicable apps and devices and verify proper operating conditions.
- Assist with alarms, cameras, smart switches, low-voltage systems, and similar technology when possible.
- Respond promptly and professionally to maintenance and repair needs.
- Help coordinate outside vendors and service providers when specialized work is necessary.
- Maintain tools, equipment, work areas, aircraft, hangars, and company property in an organized and functional condition.
- Identify maintenance or operational issues proactively and communicate them to the Chief Pilot before they become larger problems.
- Assist with miscellaneous projects, errands, pickups, deliveries, setup, organization, and other operational needs.
- Maintain flexibility in scheduling based on flights, projects, maintenance needs, and company priorities.
- Perform other related duties and projects as assigned by the Chief Pilot.
Minimum Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Valid driver's license.
- Current SIC certification and multi-engine instrument rating.
- Current FAA Medical Certification appropriate for aircraft being flown.
- General knowledge of aircraft and hangar maintenance.
- Working knowledge of general maintenance, construction, equipment, and repair.
- Comfortable operating hand tools, power tools, motorized equipment, and vehicles.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot problems.
- Comfortable using software, mobile apps, electronic devices, and equipment-monitoring systems.
- Prior maintenance, construction, equipment, aviation, or related hands-on experience preferred.
- Required to travel as needed to multiple locations for maintenance needs.
Abilities Required
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and adjust priorities as needs change.
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
- Self-starter with the ability to recognize what needs to be done and take appropriate action without requiring constant direction.
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
- Dependable, flexible, and willing to assist outside of a narrowly defined job function.
- Ability to climb ladders, bend, kneel, crawl, and work in confined or awkward spaces.
- Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds or more.
- Ability to pass required airport security/background clearance.
- Professional communication skills and ability to interact appropriately with employees, vendors, contractors, and service providers.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion when working directly with the Chief Pilot.
See All 103+ Pilot Jobs in California
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Find Pilot JobsPilot Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Pilot Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Shield AI16

- REACH Medical Holdings13

- Air Methods6

- Northrop Grumman5

- Advanced Air5

Top Industries Hiring
- Aerospace & Defense
- Science & Research
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in pilot jobs across California.
- FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate required for most California positions
- Current FAA First or Second Class medical certificate in good standing
- Minimum total flight hours as specified by the employer or FAA regulation
- Type rating or willingness to complete type rating training for specific aircraft
- Valid instrument rating and experience operating in Class B airspace
- Strong record of on-time performance and crew resource management proficiency
Pilot Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a pilot in California?
Becoming a pilot in California follows the FAA certification path, not a state-issued license. You start with a Private Pilot Certificate, then build hours toward a Commercial Pilot Certificate, and ultimately an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate for airline work. California has numerous Part 141 flight schools, including programs at institutions like IASCO Flight Training and several community college aviation programs, that offer structured training recognized by major California carriers.
Which companies hire pilots in California?
Employers hiring pilots in California right now include Shield AI, REACH Medical Holdings, and Air Methods, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's combination of major international airports, large cargo hubs, and active charter market means demand comes from a wide range of operator types beyond mainline airlines.
Which California cities have the most pilot jobs?
The California cities with the most pilot openings are San Diego, Edwards AFB, and Hawthorne. Los Angeles drives the largest share given LAX's status as a major international hub for multiple carriers, while San Francisco supports United Airlines' West Coast base and significant cargo operations, and San Diego reflects demand from both regional aviation and military contract flying in the area.
Are there remote pilot jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 38% of pilot openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, since most flying roles require physical presence in the cockpit or on the flight line. The small share of remote work in this field tends to involve flight simulation instruction, aviation safety analysis, or dispatcher and operations coordination roles that don't require active flying.
How can I get hired as a pilot in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path for low-experience candidates is flight instruction, which builds hours while earning income. Many California regional carriers, including those operating under major airline brands out of LAX and SFO, recruit from flight schools and college aviation programs. Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor at a California Part 141 school lets you accumulate the hours needed to qualify for regional airline first officer positions, which are the standard stepping stone into commercial aviation.
Where can I find and apply to pilot jobs in California?
You can find and apply to pilot jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across airlines, cargo operators, charter companies, and corporate flight departments. Find the roles that fit your certificate level and experience, then apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 103+ Pilot Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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