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Contract Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

STA Jets

Contract Group Hawker HS-125

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current Hawker Contract Pilots. Should you meet the requirements below, we would like to set up in our system. Requirements: * Typed with 12-Month ...

STA Jets

Contract Citation XLS Group

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$95K - $118K/yr

STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current CE-560XLS Contract Pilots. Should you meet the below requirements we would like to set up a phone interview. Requirements: * Typed with 12 ...

STA Jets

Contract Group Hawker HS-125

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current Hawker Contract Pilots. Should you meet the requirements below, we would like to set up in our system. Requirements: * Typed with 12-Month ...

STA Jets

Contract Citation XLS Group

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$96K - $120K/yr

STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current CE-560XLS Contract Pilots. Should you meet the below requirements we would like to set up a phone interview. Requirements: * Typed with 12 ...

DRG

F-35 CONTRACT INSTRUCTOR PILOT

Lemoore, CA · On-site

$75 - $90/hr

Contract Instructor will facilitate pilot training in the F-35 Full Mission Simulator using the Instructor Operating Station (IOS) and will be a subject matter expert (SME) on various aircraft ...

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All JobsContract Pilot JobsContract Pilot Jobs in California

Contract Pilot information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do contract pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract 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 does a contract pilot do?

A contract pilot is an aviation professional who operates helicopters, charter planes, or another aircraft on a per-job basis. As a contract pilot, you work directly with corporate or individual clients to fly an aircraft between locations and transport passengers or cargo. Your contract may be for a single trip or multiple trips. However, you operate as an independent contractor, so you are responsible for maintaining your credentials and insurance. Working as a contract pilot provides you with greater flexibility than being a pilot for an airline or the military.

What are some common challenges faced by contract pilots when adapting to different aircraft and client expectations?

Contract pilots often fly a variety of aircraft types for different clients, which can require quick adaptation to new cockpit layouts, avionics systems, and company-specific procedures. Additionally, each client may have unique operational standards and expectations regarding communication, scheduling, and reporting. Staying organized, maintaining up-to-date certifications, and being proactive in learning new processes are key strategies for overcoming these challenges. Strong interpersonal skills also help contract pilots integrate smoothly with new crews and flight departments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Pilot, you need extensive flight experience, an active commercial or airline transport pilot license (CPL/ATPL), and current medical certification. Familiarity with specific aircraft types, proficiency in using advanced avionics systems, and completion of required type ratings are typically necessary. Strong decision-making, adaptability, and effective communication skills help you manage diverse flying environments and coordinate with clients and crews. These competencies ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable service in varied and dynamic aviation assignments.

What is a contract pilot?

Contract pilots are professional pilots who are hired on a temporary or per-assignment basis, rather than as full-time employees of an airline or company. They typically operate private jets, corporate aircraft, or charter flights for individuals or organizations that need flight services for a limited period. Contract pilots are responsible for pre-flight planning, operating the aircraft safely, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and sometimes handling administrative tasks related to each flight. This flexible arrangement allows both pilots and employers to meet their scheduling and operational needs without long-term commitments.

What is the difference between Contract Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectContract PilotCommercial Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, possibly additional type ratingsCommercial Pilot Certificate, multi-engine ratings often required
Work EnvironmentHired on a temporary basis for specific contracts, often freelanceEmployed by airlines, charter companies, or corporate operators
Employer & Industry UsageContract basis across various operators, including private and cargoFull-time or part-time employment within commercial aviation

Contract pilots typically hold a commercial pilot certificate and work on a temporary or project basis, often flying for multiple operators. Commercial pilots are usually employed full-time by airlines or companies, with a focus on scheduled or charter flights. The main difference lies in employment type and job stability, with contract pilots offering flexibility and diverse opportunities, while commercial pilots often have more consistent employment within the commercial aviation industry.

More about Contract Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in California? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Pilot jobs in California? For Contract Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Pilot jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Pilot jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Pilot jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Pilot job openings:
Contract Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Contract Group Hawker HS-125

STA Jets

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current Hawker Contract Pilots. Should you meet the requirements below, we would like to set up in our system.
Requirements:
  • Typed with 12-Month Currency
  • Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (Multi-Engine Land)
  • Current FAA First Class medical

Time Requirements:
  • 1500- 3500 hours total pilot time.
  • 1500 hours fixed-wing multi-engine PIC
  • 2500 hours multi-engine total.
  • PIC 100 hours in type
  • Turbine Engine 2000 hours

SIC applicants must have the SIC type on their certificate and be 12 month current.

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