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Commercial Single Engine Pilot Jobs in California

$82K - $93K/yr

Big Bear Fire B407(IFR) 130% ACCRA Off Duty Housing $15,000 Sign On Bonus (External Pilots) AIR ... Commercial single engine land is required for single engine aircraft * First OR Second Class FAA ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Big Pine, CA · On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land (C-ASEL) Required. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous medevac and/or cargo experience preferred. * Ability to provide ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land (C-ASEL) Required. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous medevac and/or cargo experience preferred. * Ability to provide ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Bishop, CA · On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land (C-ASEL) Required. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous medevac and/or cargo experience preferred. * Ability to provide ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Mammoth Lakes, CA · On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land (C-ASEL) Required. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous medevac and/or cargo experience preferred. * Ability to provide ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Bishop, CA · On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land (C-ASEL) Required. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous medevac and/or cargo experience preferred. * Ability to provide ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Lone Pine, CA · On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land (C-ASEL) Required. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous medevac and/or cargo experience preferred. * Ability to provide ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Bishop, CA · On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land (C-ASEL) Required. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous medevac and/or cargo experience preferred. * Ability to provide ...

$109K - $119K/yr

Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land (C-ASEL) Required. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous medevac and/or cargo experience preferred. * Ability to provide ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Bishop, CA · On-site

$109 - $120/hr

Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land (C-ASEL) Required. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous medevac and/or cargo experience preferred. * Ability to provide ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Bishop, CA · On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land (C-ASEL) Required. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous medevac and/or cargo experience preferred. * Ability to provide ...

Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land (C-ASEL) Required. * The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience. * Previous medevac and/or cargo experience preferred. * Ability to provide ...

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Possess an FAA commercial pilot license with instrument, multiengine and single engine land ratings or possess a pilot and instrument rating from the armed services. (Required) * Logbook and/or ...

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Possess an FAA commercial pilot license with instrument, multiengine and single engine land ratings or possess a pilot and instrument rating from the armed services. (Required) * Logbook and/or ...

Possess an FAA commercial pilot license with instrument, multiengine and single engine land ratings or possess a pilot and instrument rating from the armed services. (Required) * Logbook and/or ...

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Commercial Single Engine Pilot information

See California salary details

$11

$30

$57

How much do commercial single engine pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for commercial single engine pilot in California is $30.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $38.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a commercial single engine pilot?

A Commercial Single Engine Pilot is a licensed pilot authorized to fly a single-engine aircraft for hire. They may work in roles such as aerial surveying, banner towing, cargo transport, or flight instruction. This certification requires advanced flight training, passing a written exam, and meeting specific flight hour requirements. It does not qualify a pilot for airline jobs but serves as a stepping stone to higher certifications.

What does a commercial single engine pilot do?

Commercial Single Engine Pilots are responsible for conducting pre-flight inspections, planning flight routes, and ensuring weather and safety compliance before each flight. Throughout the week, duties may include transporting passengers or cargo, performing aerial surveys, agricultural flying, or banner towing, depending on the employer. Pilots often manage their own documentation, communicate regularly with air traffic control, and complete post-flight checks and logs. While some flights may be routine, others require adapting quickly to changing conditions or special mission requirements. Collaboration with ground crews, maintenance staff, and clients is common, making teamwork and adaptability key parts of the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a commercial single engine pilot?

To thrive as a Commercial Single Engine Pilot, you need strong aeronautical knowledge, advanced piloting skills, a commercial pilot certificate with a single-engine land (SEL) rating, and a current medical certificate. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, weather radar, and electronic flight bags such as ForeFlight is essential for safe flight planning and operations. Excellent situational awareness, communication, decision-making, and customer service skills set top pilots apart. These capabilities ensure safe, efficient, and professional flight operations under various conditions while meeting client and regulatory expectations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Commercial Single Engine Pilot jobs in California?

The most popular types of Commercial Single Engine Pilot jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Commercial Single Engine Pilot jobs in California?

For Commercial Single Engine Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Commercial Single Engine Pilot jobs?

Cities in California with the most Commercial Single Engine Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Commercial Single Engine Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,967 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

$82K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Air Methods rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Big Bear Fire

B407(IFR)

130% ACCRA

Off Duty Housing

$15,000 Sign On Bonus (External Pilots)

AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE!

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, while providing our pilots with work life balance. Our #1 objective is to ensure safety to/from every time, so come join our growing and high-performing culture, sparked by teammates who deliver on being the best!

Location

Big Bear, California, offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and year-round outdoor adventure. Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, it’s surrounded by towering pines and centered around the sparkling Big Bear Lake, making it ideal for boating, fishing, and relaxing in the summer, and skiing or snowboarding in the winter. The charming mountain village atmosphere, fresh alpine air, and abundance of hiking and wildlife viewing make it a beloved getaway for those seeking both excitement and tranquility just a few hours from Southern California’s cities.

Job Summary

Responsible to ensure aircraft and weather conditions are airworthy to transport medical crew and patient to receiving hospital within an assigned operational area. Responsible for compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), General Operations Manual guidelines (GOM), and thorough knowledge of Air Methods policies and procedures.


Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following:

  • Operates Air Methods aircraft in a safe and legal manner.
  • Completes pre-flight before every flight verifying the aircraft is in an airworthy condition by sign off of Daily Flight Log. Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight and upon completion of each flight.
  • Final authority with regard to operations of aircraft and for the safety of passengers, cargo and equipment.
  • Must be thoroughly familiar with all aircraft and medical systems of backup aircraft utilized at operational area and also ensures that the medical flight team is familiar and comfortable with the medical interior and systems.
  • Responsible for completion of required documentation.
  • Able to conduct detailed flight planning with little notice to exacting standards.
  • Participates regularly in Air Methods meetings, activities, projects, committees and community outreach.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Requirements

  • Regular scheduled attendance. (7/7 schedule - 12 hour shifts)

Subject to applicable laws and Air Method’s policies, regular attendance is an essential function of the position.  All employees must follow Air Methods’ employment practices and policies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 


Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position.

Pay Scale

Based upon flight and EMS experience.

  • STEP A: $82,900
  • STEP B: $86,216
  • STEP C: $89,665
  • STEP D: $93,251

Education & Experience

  • Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school and two  to five years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred

Operation and Safety Requirements:

  • As a member of the Flight Crew, any person employed in this position shall maintain a weight not to exceed 250 pounds and shall be less than seventy (70) years old.

Skills

  • Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals and the public and strives to maintain a friendly and professional working environment
  • Pilots must have flown in category within the previous 24 months

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Program:

  • 2500 total flight hours with minimum of 2000 flight hours in category
  • 1000 hours PIC in category
  • 500 hours of rotor wing turbine time
  • 500 hours of cross-country flight time, at least 50 hours of which were at night
  • 100 hours unaided night as PIC (50 hours of unaided can be substituted for by 100 hours of NVG time, but cannot be reduced below 50 hours of unaided time)
  • 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument time at least 50 hours which were in flight in an aircraft including 20 hours in actual instrument conditions in category

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

  • Instrument rating (for category and class of aircraft)(ATP rating in category meets this requirement)
  • Fixed wing multiengine rating is required for twin engine aircraft
  • Commercial single engine land is required for single engine aircraft
  • First OR Second Class FAA Medical certificate required.

Internal Bidding Ends: 8/6/2026


USD $82,900.00/Yr.
USD $93,251.00/Yr.

For more information on our industry-leading benefits, please visit our benefits page here. 


Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)


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About Air Methods

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Air Methods is the most responsive and reliable provider of critical care transportation solutions. We partner with our EMS and hospital customers to solve the challenges of patient logistics and save lives. We deliver industry-leading performance in safety, clinical quality, and patient advocacy, committing to zero balance bills. In addition to caring for others, we care for our own teammates: building a high-performing culture where people are passionate about their work and always bring their best. We can't be the industry-leading air medical company without you.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Englewood, CO, US

Year founded

1980