As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...
As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...
As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...
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As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...
Aerial Patroller (Full Time)
Concord, CA · On-site
Act as mission commander during flights, providing pre-flight mission briefing to pilot * Maintain situational awareness during flight and communicate potential hazards to pilot * Perform aerial ...
Aerial Patroller (Full Time)
Concord, CA · On-site
Act as mission commander during flights, providing pre-flight mission briefing to pilot * Maintain situational awareness during flight and communicate potential hazards to pilot * Perform aerial ...
* Act as mission commander during flights, providing pre-flight mission briefing to pilot * Maintain situational awareness during flight and communicate potential hazards to pilot * Perform aerial ...
* Act as mission commander during flights, providing pre-flight mission briefing to pilot * Maintain situational awareness during flight and communicate potential hazards to pilot * Perform aerial ...
Fire Pilot
$122K - $164K/yr
CLASS SUMMARY Under general supervision, Fire Pilots are assigned the authority and responsibility to perform aerial fire suppression by piloting Orange County Fire Authority helicopters over all ...
Fire Pilot
$122K - $164K/yr
CLASS SUMMARY Under general supervision, Fire Pilots are assigned the authority and responsibility to perform aerial fire suppression by piloting Orange County Fire Authority helicopters over all ...
Fire Pilot
Buena Park, CA · On-site
$122K - $164K/yr
Aerial fire suppression * External load operations * Night vision systems SKILLS (position ... The Fire Pilot Check Flight is a pass/fail event. CHIEF'S INTERVIEW Candidates who successfully ...
Fire Pilot
Buena Park, CA · On-site
$122K - $164K/yr
Aerial fire suppression * External load operations * Night vision systems SKILLS (position ... The Fire Pilot Check Flight is a pass/fail event. CHIEF'S INTERVIEW Candidates who successfully ...
UAV Pilot (FAA Part 107 Certified)
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$25 - $35/hr
Position Overview We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused UAV Pilot to conduct aerial surveillance and drone operations in support of security and counter-crime initiatives. This role requires a ...
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UAV Pilot (FAA Part 107 Certified)
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$25 - $35/hr
Position Overview We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused UAV Pilot to conduct aerial surveillance and drone operations in support of security and counter-crime initiatives. This role requires a ...
UAV Pilot (FAA Part 107 Certified)
Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site
$25 - $35/hr
Position Overview We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused UAV Pilot to conduct aerial surveillance and drone operations in support of security and counter-crime initiatives. This role requires a ...
Quick apply
UAV Pilot (FAA Part 107 Certified)
Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site
$25 - $35/hr
Position Overview We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused UAV Pilot to conduct aerial surveillance and drone operations in support of security and counter-crime initiatives. This role requires a ...
PILOT INSTRUCTOR
March Air Reserve Base, CA · On-site
Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics. * Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired.
PILOT INSTRUCTOR
March Air Reserve Base, CA · On-site
Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics. * Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired.
PILOT INSTRUCTOR
March Air Reserve Base, CA · On-site
Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics. * Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired.
PILOT INSTRUCTOR
March Air Reserve Base, CA · On-site
Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics. * Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired.
Pilot
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$80 - $100/hr
Experience operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in ... Knowledge of remote pilot interface systems, autopilot tuning, and mission control workflows
Pilot
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$80 - $100/hr
Experience operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in ... Knowledge of remote pilot interface systems, autopilot tuning, and mission control workflows
PILOT INSTRUCTOR
March Air Reserve Base, CA · On-site
Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics. Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired.
PILOT INSTRUCTOR
March Air Reserve Base, CA · On-site
Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics. Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired.
PILOT INSTRUCTOR
CA · On-site
Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics. * Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired.
PILOT INSTRUCTOR
CA · On-site
Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics. * Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired.
Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics. * Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired.
Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics. * Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired.
UAS Test Pilot, RPIC
San Diego, CA · On-site
$92 - $138/hr
UAS Test Pilot, RPIC/EP San Diego, CA Flight Testing In office Full-time Who We Are At Firestorm, w ... By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we're pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim ...
UAS Test Pilot, RPIC
San Diego, CA · On-site
$92 - $138/hr
UAS Test Pilot, RPIC/EP San Diego, CA Flight Testing In office Full-time Who We Are At Firestorm, w ... By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we're pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim ...
... and efficient aerial solutions for its customers. With a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, PJH ... Call when needed pilots will have an opportunity to participate in Fire Suppression, Utility and ...
... and efficient aerial solutions for its customers. With a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, PJH ... Call when needed pilots will have an opportunity to participate in Fire Suppression, Utility and ...
SIC Pilot
Red Bluff, CA · On-site
$120 - $150/hr
... and efficient aerial solutions for its customers. With a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, PJH ... Call when needed pilots will have an opportunity to participate in Fire Suppression, Utility and ...
SIC Pilot
Red Bluff, CA · On-site
$120 - $150/hr
... and efficient aerial solutions for its customers. With a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, PJH ... Call when needed pilots will have an opportunity to participate in Fire Suppression, Utility and ...
... and efficient aerial solutions for its customers. With a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, PJH ... Call when needed pilots will have an opportunity to participate in Fire Suppression, Utility and ...
... and efficient aerial solutions for its customers. With a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, PJH ... Call when needed pilots will have an opportunity to participate in Fire Suppression, Utility and ...
Utility Helicopter Pilot
Acampo, CA · On-site
$21.25 - $29/hr
Helicopter Pilot - Power Utility Operations Location: Lodi, CA Job Type: Full-Time Salary: Base ... Your primary responsibilities will include safely operating helicopters for aerial patrols ...
Utility Helicopter Pilot
Acampo, CA · On-site
$21.25 - $29/hr
Helicopter Pilot - Power Utility Operations Location: Lodi, CA Job Type: Full-Time Salary: Base ... Your primary responsibilities will include safely operating helicopters for aerial patrols ...
Utility Helicopter Pilot
Acampo, CA · On-site
$21.25 - $29/hr
Helicopter Pilot - Power Utility Operations Location: Lodi, CA Job Type: Full-Time Salary: Base ... Your primary responsibilities will include safely operating helicopters for aerial patrols ...
Utility Helicopter Pilot
Acampo, CA · On-site
$21.25 - $29/hr
Helicopter Pilot - Power Utility Operations Location: Lodi, CA Job Type: Full-Time Salary: Base ... Your primary responsibilities will include safely operating helicopters for aerial patrols ...
Aerial Pilot information
See California salary details
$48.9K - $62.4K
10% of jobs
$62.4K - $76K
7% of jobs
$76K - $89.6K
3% of jobs
$99.8K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$89.6K - $103.2K
6% of jobs
$103.2K - $116.8K
7% of jobs
$116.8K - $130.4K
5% of jobs
The median wage is $138.9K / yr.
$130.4K - $144K
17% of jobs
$151.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$144K - $157.6K
33% of jobs
$157.6K - $171.2K
5% of jobs
$171.2K - $184.8K
3% of jobs
$184.8K - $198.4K
2% of jobs
$48.9K
$129.2K
$198.4K
How much do aerial pilot jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial pilot in California is $129,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,700.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is an aerial pilot?
Aerial pilots are licensed professionals who operate aircraft for purposes other than commercial airline transportation. Their work often includes aerial photography, surveying, agricultural applications (like crop dusting), firefighting, search and rescue, and banner towing. Aerial pilots must have specialized training and certifications that depend on their specific area of work, and they must adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. They often work in varied and sometimes challenging environments, and their skills are critical for tasks that require precision flying. Aerial pilots play an essential role in industries ranging from agriculture to emergency services.
What does an aerial pilot do?
The job duties of an aerial pilot involve operating an aircraft to perform different airborne tasks. Your responsibilities vary depending on the industry. An aerial survey pilot performs data acquisition and mapping tasks while they fly over an area. As an aerial photography pilot, you take images from the air or fly a photography team over the site or event they want to photograph. An aerial firefighter pilot releases water or fire suppression liquid over a forest fire. Crop dusters release fertilizer or pesticide over farm fields.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerial pilot, and why are they important?
To thrive as an Aerial Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong aviation knowledge, and excellent flight proficiency, often supported by specialized training for aerial operations. Familiarity with navigation systems, GPS technology, and flight planning software is typically required, along with certifications such as an FAA Part 61 or 141 license. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and strong decision-making skills set exceptional aerial pilots apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring flight safety, regulatory compliance, and effective execution of specialized missions like photography, surveying, or agricultural work.
What are some common challenges aerial pilots face when operating in diverse weather conditions?
Aerial Pilots often encounter rapidly changing weather patterns that can significantly affect flight safety and mission success. Navigating through turbulence, low visibility, and unexpected wind shifts requires quick decision-making and constant communication with ground control and co-pilots. Staying updated on weather reports and having contingency plans in place are essential parts of the job. Pilots must also be adept at adjusting flight plans on the fly to maintain safety and efficiency.
What is the difference between Aerial Pilot vs Drone Operator?
| Aspect | Aerial Pilot | Drone Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | FAA pilot license, commercial pilot certificate | Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) |
| Work Environment | Aircraft in various outdoor settings, often in aviation or film industries | Remote control, often indoors or in designated outdoor areas |
| Industry Usage | Aviation, aerial photography, surveying, firefighting | Filmmaking, inspections, agriculture, real estate |
While both roles involve flying devices, Aerial Pilots operate manned aircraft requiring pilot licenses and often work in aviation or aerial services. Drone Operators control unmanned drones with remote licenses, mainly used for filming, inspections, or agricultural purposes. The key differences lie in certification requirements, work environment, and industry applications.
More about Aerial Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Pilot jobs in California?
The most popular types of Aerial Pilot jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Aerial Pilot jobs in California?
For Aerial Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Pilot jobs in California look for?
The top searched job categories for Aerial Pilot jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Aerial Pilot jobs?
Cities in California with the most Aerial Pilot job openings:
Full-time
Re-posted 3 days ago
Job description
We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting skills, and the ability to analyze aerial data.Â
Your key responsibilities will include flying drones for purposes such as surveying, mapping, inspection, and videography.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections.
- Conduct pre-flight checks and ensure drones are in optimal working condition.
- Follow all FAA regulations and safety guidelines during drone operations.
- Plan flight paths and adjust them as necessary based on environmental conditions.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret aerial data for reporting and project needs.
- Collaborate with team members to ensure project goals are met.
- Maintain detailed records of flights, including time, locations, and data collected.
- Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on drone equipment.
- Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and regulations related to drone operations.
Qualifications:
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or equivalent).
- Proven experience operating drones in various settings.
- Strong technical knowledge of drone systems and software (e.g., mapping and modeling software).
- Excellent spatial awareness and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to analyze data and present findings clearly.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with specific drone models (e.g., DJI, Parrot).
- Knowledge of photogrammetry and GIS applications.
- Previous experience in (e.g., construction, agriculture, film).
We would be happy to get to know you and your skills better and see how we can support each other's growth.
Please apply and let's meet!
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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