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Aerial Application Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pyka

Deployed Flight Test Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$101 - $125/hr

Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both ...

RED CAT HOLDINGS

General Application

Torrance, CA · Hybrid

... aerial systems designed for real-world performance. **Note: This is a general application only ... There may not be an immediate opening, but we encourage you to apply so we can stay connected! Why ...

Red Cat Holdings, Inc.

General Application

Torrance, CA · On-site

... aerial systems designed for real-world performance. **Note: This is a general application only ... There may not be an immediate opening, but we encourage you to apply so we can stay connected! Why ...

Pyka

Flight Operations Associate, Temporary

Alameda, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both ...

Pyka

Mechanical Engineer (Dropship)

Alameda, CA · On-site

$118K - $149K/yr

Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both ...

Pyka

Electro-Mechanical Assembly Technician

Alameda, CA · On-site

$34.50 - $39/hr

Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both ...

Pyka

Associate Electrical Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$83K - $105K/yr

Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both ...

Socket.dev

Flight Test Engineer

Dixon, CA · On-site

$101 - $174/hr

Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both ...

Pyka

Senior Software Engineer, Dropship and Cargo

Alameda, CA · Hybrid

$138K - $183K/yr

Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both ...

Posted today

Pyka

Electrical Engineer (Multiple Levels)

Alameda, CA

$108K - $192K/yr

Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both ...

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All JobsAerial Application JobsAerial Application Jobs in California

Aerial Application information

See California salary details

$16

$51

$83

How much do aerial application jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial application in California is $51.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.73 and $59.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is aerial application?

Aerial application, also known as crop dusting, is the process of applying fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, or other substances to crops using aircraft. This method allows for efficient and timely treatment of large agricultural areas, especially in regions that are difficult to access by ground equipment. Pilots who perform aerial application must be specially trained and certified to ensure both safety and effectiveness. Aerial application plays a crucial role in modern agriculture by helping to maximize crop yields and manage pests or diseases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerial applicator?

To thrive as an Aerial Applicator, you need a commercial pilot's license, strong knowledge of agricultural chemicals, and compliance with relevant aviation and pesticide regulations. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, aerial spraying equipment, and safety procedures is essential. Attention to detail, strong decision-making, and effective communication skills help ensure safe and accurate application. These competencies are vital for protecting crops, ensuring safety, and maintaining regulatory compliance in agricultural aviation.

What are some common challenges faced by aerial applicators and how can they be managed on the job?

Aerial applicators often encounter challenges such as changing weather conditions, managing precise application rates, and ensuring safety while operating aircraft over agricultural fields. Adapting to weather requires flexibility and close monitoring of forecasts, while accuracy is maintained through advanced GPS and mapping technologies. Safety is addressed through rigorous training, adherence to regulations, and regular maintenance of equipment. Staying proactive about these factors helps aerial applicators perform their duties efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Aerial Application vs Crop Duster Pilot?

AspectAerial ApplicationCrop Duster Pilot
CertificationsFAA pilot license, pesticide applicator certificationFAA pilot license, pesticide applicator certification
Work EnvironmentSpraying crops from aircraft, often in rural areasFlying crop-dusting aircraft, often in agricultural fields
Industry UsageUsed by agricultural companies for crop treatmentTypically refers to pilots performing aerial application tasks

Both roles involve flying aircraft to apply pesticides or fertilizers to crops. Aerial Application is a broad term encompassing various crop-spraying activities, while Crop Duster Pilot specifically describes pilots operating aircraft for crop dusting. The skills, certifications, and work environments are similar, making these terms often interchangeable in the industry.

What are popular job titles related to Aerial Application jobs in California?

For Aerial Application jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aerial Application jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerial Application jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Aerial Application jobs?

Cities in California with the most Aerial Application job openings:

Aerial Application jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Application job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,056 per year, or $52 per hour.

D-Ground Crew Flagger (Part Time)

Diversified Applications, Inc. (DAI)

Brawley, CA • On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 hours ago

Posted today

Job description

WHO WE ARE

Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC is an innovator and service provider for agricultural and professional markets in the United States and around the world. We are one of America's only retailers and distributors with expertise in formulation, research and development, precision technology, data solutions, professional application and manufacturing. For nearly 70 years our people have been driven to provide sustainable solutions that help feed, clothe and fuel the world. With over 450+ locations nationwide and over 6,000 employees we rank among the top agricultural service companies in volume and sales of agricultural products and services.

This position is with Diversified Applications, Inc. (DAI). DAI is our aerial application business and operates under several different names throughout the U.S. as we continue to acquire small companies to actively expand this segment of our business. The goal of DAI is to become the leader of the agricultural aviation industry by continuously growing our fleet of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.

ABOUT THE JOB

The Flagger position of the Ground Crew ensures that each aerial application site is ready for application.

WHAT YOUR DAY WILL LOOK LIKE

  • Receives chemical deliveries and attaches proper documentation to each chemical order.
  • Maintains a clean aircraft.
  • Assists other team members in loading chemical and reviewing application locations.
  • Checks wind velocity and direction and advises the aerial applicators of any issues at each application site.
  • Ensures each application location is free of any agriculture and/or unauthorized staff.
  • May be required to drive a company vehicle.
  • Provides excellent customer service to all internal and external customers.
  • Other work-related duties as assigned by your leader.
  • Regular and reliable attendance is required.
  • Follows all company policies and procedures.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma or equivalent is required.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

  • Customer service oriented.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Valid U.S. driver's license is required and must meet all company requirements to drive a Helena vehicle.
  • Ability to read, write and speak in English is required.
  • Communicating in Spanish is a valuable skill at Helena.

Successful completion of a drug test and background check is required for all positions at Helena.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE JOB

At Helena, safety is our highest priority. We seek out extensive safety measures and put them in place to minimize exposure to anything that could be potentially harmful to our employees.

The work environment for this position will be in an outdoor setting in all types of weather conditions with exposure to outdoor elements. When working outdoors and possibly around moving equipment/mechanical parts, you may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, chemical and biological hazards, vibrations and a risk of electrical shock.

This position requires you to use your hands for many different tasks and to talk, hear, walk, sit, stand (8 hours a day or more), lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling (up to and including 50lbs or more), reaching overhead (up to and including 25lbs), climbing, gripping, grasping and twisting using hands and wrists, bending and stooping for long periods of time, working below knee levels for short periods of time and working above shoulder level for short periods.

BENEFITS AT HELENA

  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance STARTS THE SAME DAY YOU DO!
  • Earn up to $3,000 in Reward Dollars from Helena for your Health Savings Account (HSA).
  • Access your earned pay between paydays through Earned Wage Access (EWA) with DailyPay.
  • Helena's robust 401(k) Savings Plan offers you a 100% company-match up to 5% starting on your first day. As your years of service with Helena increase, so does our company-match - up to 10% based on your contribution amount.
  • Three-year vesting on company-match with 1,000 hours of service.
  • Employees are eligible for paid time-off and holiday pay.
  • This position is eligible for overtime pay.
  • Free Term Life Insurance at 1x your annual base pay - paid for by Helena at no cost to you.
  • Free Short & Long-Term Disability.
  • Up to four weeks of paid Parental Leave.
  • Education Assistance.
  • And much more!

For more detailed information about our benefits, visit helenacareers.com/benefits.

STAY CONNECTED TO HELENA!

Follow us on social @HelenaCareers or visit us at helenacareers.com.

Helena supports individuals with disabilities, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Helena is an equal opportunity employer.

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