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Contract Pilot Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Legal Program Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$127K - $185K/yr

Hands-on experience evaluating, piloting, or deploying AI-powered tools (e.g., contract review platforms, generative AI assistants, legal workflow automation) or familiarity with prompt engineering ...

For R&D roles: work in lab settings and assist with pilot builds * For line assistants: manage ... Team‑oriented and supportive culture Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position ...

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Contract Pilot information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$51.6K

$136.6K

$209.7K

How much do contract pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract pilot in Riverside, CA is $136,581.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,300.00 and $161,700.00 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 are contract pilots?

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA? For Contract Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Contract Pilot jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Contract Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Pilot job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,581 per year, or $65.7 per hour.

Lead Flight Operations Administrator

Metrea Management LLC

Moreno Valley, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

Metrea delivers effects-as-a-service to national security partners across five domains and more than a dozen mission areas—including airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special mission aviation, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. 

Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability—designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions that let customers scale capacity while benefiting from continuous cycles of innovation. With operators and engineers under one roof, we close the gap between lab and field—what we call connecting design with effect. 

Metrea’s solutions are built for elegance: effective, efficient, and evolving. This approach enables our partners to do more with less and achieve outsized, asymmetric advantage against rapidly evolving threats. 

Headquartered in Washington, DC, Metrea has facilities across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond.

This role sits within a core area of Metrea.

Air Mobility Group (AIRMOB) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea’s aerial refueling (AAR) capabilities, ensuring the readiness and operational effectiveness of the tanker fleet. AIRMOB oversees fleet management, maintenance, and airworthiness, working to sustain and enhance refueling operations. It manages the integration of new processes and technologies, ensuring that tanker aircraft remain mission-ready through effective logistics, maintenance oversight, and regulatory compliance. By coordinating across various teams, AIRMOB ensures the fleet meets both current and future operational needs, supporting a range of specialized air mobility missions. 


Position Summary

The Lead Flight Operations Administrator is responsible for ensuring the seamless execution of flight activities within the organization. This position is essential in maintaining compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements, managing flight records, and facilitating effective communication between Flight Operations, Maintenance and the Project Management Office. By maintaining accurate records and overseeing operational logistics, the Flight Operations Administrator enhances overall efficiency and supports the organization's mission to provide reliable, high-quality air refuelling services.


What You’ll Do

  • Maintain and manage accurate flight records and operational documentation in a timely matter to ensure expeditious submission of post flight paperwork
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable government regulations and industry standards
  • Updates the system of record, for current military aircrew members, with any military flight accomplishments that can be applied to MSM flight currency requirements
  • Assist in the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures to enhance efficiency
  • Assist in the Flight Operations onboarding process for aircrew new hires
  • Assist in the pre-deployment processing for Flight Operations personnel deploying to OCONUS detachments
  • All other duties assigned 


What You’ll bring

  • 10+ years of Aviation Resource Management with at least 5 years as a supervisor
  • Experience with Microsoft Office software to include Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams
  • Strong organizational skills to effectively manage multiple flights while ensuring all documentation remains accurate and up to date.
  • Excellent communication abilities are essential for coordinating with pilots, crew members, and stakeholders to facilitate seamless operations
  • Attention to detail is crucial in maintaining compliance with aviation regulations and accurate record keeping
  • Must be able to accomplish all duties with little or no assistance. 
  • Must have good command of the English language; oral and written. 
  • Must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, government regulations, procedure manuals, and the performance work statement of a government contract


Additional Eligibility Qualifications

  • Certification in aviation safety or operations management
  • A secondary degree in aviation management, business administration, or a related field or equivalent experience especially in a military aviation flying unit
  • Proven experience in flight operations or a similar administrative role within the aviation industry
  • Strong understanding of aviation regulations and compliance requirements

Our Firmware

At Metrea, our single core value, Rooted in Humility, and our four cornerstone attributes—Entrepreneurial, Systematic, Discerning, and Over-Deliver. These form what we call our Teammate Firmware. Just like technical firmware connects software and hardware, our Firmware is the constant interface between our mission and our people. It defines how we show up, how we work together, and how we solve complex problems.

Our team Firmware creates a web-like, hyper-collaborative, dynamically hierarchical way of working that helps us adapt quickly, communicate openly, and distribute decision-making to where expertise actually lives. It enables groups to self-organize around hard problems, shift fluidly as priorities evolve, and operate with the trust, curiosity, and discipline required in a complex mission space. This foundation allows us to deliver elegant, effective solutions and uphold our purpose: protecting our precious inheritance.


Benefits

Comprehensive medical plan options

HSA/FSA accounts

Dental and vision coverage

6% employer 401(k) match

Fully paid parental leave for all new parents

Generous PTO

Life and disability insurance
Long-term and Short-term disability coverage

AD&D Coverage

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Subsided gym membership / plans through Wellhub   


Work Authorization / Security Clearance

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Must be a U.S. citizen.

Eligible clearance required: This position requires eligibility to obtain a Secret clearance. U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates will be subject to a background investigation in accordance with federal requirements.


Position may require passing a government-administered background check.

Role may require adherence to export control regulations (ITAR/EAR).

Employment is contingent on meeting all clearance and adjudication requirements.


AAP/EEO Statement

This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.


Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours and work shifts may change in accordance with department and business needs. Non-Exempt employees may be required to work over 40 hours per week with approval from the department manager.  


Work Location

Temecula and Moreno Valley, CA


Work Environment

This job operates in an office setting 


Travel

5%