Pilot Jobs in California

Pilot jobs in California represent one of the most active aviation markets in the country, concentrated across commercial airlines, cargo carriers, charter operations, and aerial firefighting, with openings for candidates from student pilot certificate holders through captains with thousands of flight hours. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose, where carriers and operators including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and FedEx Express maintain significant bases and crew requirements. Demand is especially strong for commercial airline first officers, cargo pilots, and qualified instructors holding FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificates. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles40+
Top employerViasat
Top cityCarlsbad, CA
Cities hiring20
Work type100% On-site
Top industryElectronics

Showing 5 of 40+ Pilot jobs

Wisk Aero
Staff Test Pilot
We won't show you this job again
Wisk Aero
Added 5d ago
Staff Test Pilot
Wisk Aero
Hollister, California
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Aerospace Engineering
$159k - $199k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Viasat
Student Satellite Pilot
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Viasat
Added 6d ago
Student Satellite Pilot
Viasat
Carlsbad, California
$22 - $42/hr
On-Site
Associate's
5,001-10,000

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Viasat
Student Satellite Pilot
We won't show you this job again
Viasat
Added 6d ago
Student Satellite Pilot
Viasat
Carlsbad, California
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Aerospace Engineering
$22 - $42/hr
On-Site
Associate's
5,001-10,000

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Viasat
Student Satellite Pilot
We won't show you this job again
Viasat
Added 1w ago
Student Satellite Pilot
Viasat
Carlsbad, California
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Aerospace Engineering
$22 - $42/hr
On-Site
Associate's
5,001-10,000

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Viasat
Student Satellite Pilot
We won't show you this job again
Viasat
Added 1w ago
Student Satellite Pilot
Viasat
Carlsbad, California
$22 - $42/hr
On-Site
Associate's
5,001-10,000

Have you applied for this role?

See All 40 Pilot Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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Pilot Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Carlsbad
8 jobs
Marina
4 jobs
Palo Alto
4 jobs
Los Angeles
3 jobs
Red Bluff
3 jobs
San Francisco
3 jobs
Bay Point
1 jobs
Brea
1 jobs
Burbank
1 jobs

Pilot Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • Viasat
    Viasat8
  • Joby Aviation
    Joby Aviation4
  • PHI Air Medical
    PHI Air Medical3
  • Equinox Holdings
    Equinox Holdings2
  • Life Time
    Life Time2

Top Industries Hiring

  • Electronics & Hardware9
  • Aerospace & Defense8
  • Sports & Recreation8
  • Telecommunications8
  • Technology & Software6

What California Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in pilot jobs across California.

  • Valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate required for airline and cargo roles
  • Minimum total flight hours specified by employer, often aligned with FAA Part 121 requirements
  • Current FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate required for commercial operations
  • Type rating in specific aircraft such as Boeing 737, 757, or Airbus A320 frequently required
  • Current instrument rating and multi-engine land privileges on FAA commercial certificate
  • Background check compliance with TSA and DOT drug and alcohol testing program required

Pilot Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a pilot in California?

Becoming a pilot in California follows FAA certification pathways rather than a state-issued license, since aviation credentials are federally issued. You'll need to earn FAA certificates progressing from Student Pilot through Private, Instrument, Commercial, and ultimately the Airline Transport Pilot certificate for airline roles. California has numerous Part 141 flight schools approved by the FAA where you can complete structured training, and a bachelor's degree in aviation or a related field strengthens applications at major carriers.

Which companies hire pilots in California?

Employers hiring pilots in California right now include Viasat, Joby Aviation, and PHI Air Medical, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's major air carrier bases, cargo hubs, and regional charter operators make it one of the most consistently active states for pilot recruitment across commercial, freight, and specialty aviation.

Which California cities have the most pilot jobs?

Carlsbad, Marina, and Palo Alto account for the greatest concentration of pilot openings in California. Los Angeles and San Francisco anchor the market as major airline hub cities with large crew bases for domestic and international carriers, while Sacramento and the Central Valley support agricultural aviation, aerial firefighting contracts, and regional charter operations that drive openings in those areas.

Are there remote pilot jobs in California?

Yes, but they are rare. Piloting is an inherently on-site role requiring physical aircraft operation, so most positions are based at specific airports or crew bases. About 0% of pilot openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, which reflects the small subset of roles such as simulator instruction, unmanned aircraft systems operations, and aviation training curriculum development that can be performed off-site.

How can I get hired as a pilot in California with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is securing a position as a flight instructor at a California Part 141 or Part 61 flight school, which builds flight hours while earning income. Large California-based regional carriers and charter operators regularly hire low-hour commercial pilots who meet FAA minimums and are willing to start in right-seat first officer roles. Holding a current FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with instrument and multi-engine ratings, combined with a clean FAA record, gives candidates the strongest edge when applying to California regional airlines or corporate operators.

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 openings from employers hiring in California right now. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your certificate level and experience, and apply directly to the employer through the listing.

See All 40 Pilot Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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