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Daily Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Air Methods Pilots

$82K - $86K/yr

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 ...

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Big Bear City, CA · On-site

$82K - $86K/yr

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 ...

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Blythe, CA · On-site

$107K - $121K/yr

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 ...

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$25K/mo

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 ...

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Borrego Springs, CA · On-site

$3.0K/wk

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 ...

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Susanville, CA · On-site

$82K - $86K/yr

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 ...

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

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 ...

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Twentynine Palms, CA · On-site +1

$25K/mo

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 ...

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Borrego Springs, CA · On-site

$3.0K/wk

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 ...

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

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 ...

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Susanville, CA · On-site

$82K - $86K/yr

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 ...

JRG Partners

Pilot Plant Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

Organize all Pilot and Labs activities in the daily basis as well as yearly planning. ? Be accountable for the Pilot and Labs facilities: Authorization to operate, Maintenance, Team trainings and ...

Coulson Aviation

CH47-Pilot In Command

Thermal, CA · On-site

... to manage daily operational requirements, support contract execution, and represent Coulson ... pilot shift changes. - Ensure compliance with duty and flight time limitations. - Assist with ...

Coulson Aviation

CH47-Pilot In Command

Thermal, CA · On-site

Pilots are expected to manage daily operational requirements, support contract execution, and represent Coulson Aviation with professionalism in all interactions. Key Responsibilities * Exercise ...

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All JobsDaily Pilot JobsDaily Pilot Jobs in California

Daily Pilot information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do daily pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for daily 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 a daily pilot?

The Daily Pilot is a local newspaper that covers news, sports, business, and community events in the coastal communities of Orange County, California, such as Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Huntington Beach. It is published by the Los Angeles Times and provides both print and online news to keep residents informed about local happenings. The Daily Pilot is known for its in-depth coverage of local government, schools, and community issues.

What are some common challenges faced by daily pilots and how can they be managed effectively?

Daily Pilots often face challenges such as variable weather conditions, tight flight schedules, and the need to adapt quickly to changing operational requirements. Managing these challenges requires strong situational awareness, effective communication with air traffic control and crew, and rigorous adherence to safety protocols. It's also important for Daily Pilots to stay current with training and regulations to ensure safe and efficient flights. Building experience and cultivating a collaborative mindset with ground and cabin teams can help mitigate many of these challenges.

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

To thrive as an Airline Pilot, you need a commercial pilot's license, strong aeronautical knowledge, and extensive flight experience. Proficiency with advanced avionics systems, flight management computers, and simulator training is typically required, alongside certifications like the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, communication, and teamwork skills distinguish top pilots in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure passenger safety, efficient flight operations, and effective collaboration with crew members.

What is the difference between Daily Pilot vs Freelance Journalist?

AspectDaily PilotFreelance Journalist
CredentialsTypically requires journalism degree or experienceVaries; often self-taught or with journalism background
Work EnvironmentEmployed by a newspaper or media outlet, office or newsroom settingRemote or on-location, self-managed schedule
Industry UsageUsed by local newspapers and regional mediaCommon across various media platforms, including online
Work StyleRegular hours, team-basedFlexible hours, independent

Daily Pilot journalists are typically employed by a specific media outlet with structured hours, while freelance journalists work independently, often with multiple clients. Both roles require strong writing skills and industry knowledge, but differ mainly in employment structure and work environment.

Infographic showing various Daily Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Skydive Jump Pilot

Watsonville, CA • On-site

SKYDIVE SURFCITY - SANTA CRUZ
See more jobs at SKYDIVE SURFCITY - SANTA CRUZexternal

$30 - $45/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Benefits/Perks

Career advancement opportunities in aviation
Meaningful flight time in real-world Cessna jump operations
Competitive per-load compensation with scheduled-day minimums
Hands-on aircraft operations experience
Coastal airport environment at Watsonville Airport
Team-focused, safety-first skydiving operation
Opportunity to grow into a trusted lead pilot role
Job Summary

Skydive Surf City, dba Skydive Santa Cruz, is looking for a dependable, safety-minded Lead Jump Pilot / Aircraft Operations Lead to join our Cessna skydiving operation at Watsonville Airport.
This role involves flying our Cessna 182 Supercharged and Cessna U206 in support of skydiving and parachuting operations. We are looking for someone who wants to build meaningful flight time, sharpen real-world decision-making, and become a key part of a respected coastal aviation team.
Our pilot is one of the most visible and important people in the day’s flow. Crew, customers, students, participants, spectators, airport personnel, and other tenants all look to the pilot as a leader. We are proud of our reputation at Watsonville Airport and are looking for someone who represents the aircraft, the dropzone, and the skydiving community with professionalism and care.
Schedule

Primary commitment is Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Our airport schedule allows us to fly from 8:00 AM until sunset, though the actual rhythm varies by day, weather, and season. Typically we begin around 11:00 AM and conclude flight ops within 4-6 hours.
Fridays and Mondays often begin closer to midday. Saturdays and Sundays tend to be fuller flying days as the season builds.
Compensation

Compensation is structured as:
$35/per completed jump flight/load.
Additional approved aircraft operations, aircraft care, or maintenance-support duties may be paid hourly when arranged in advance
The scheduled-day is intended for active operational support. If flying is delayed due to weather, volume, or operational needs, the pilot may be assigned aircraft operations duties such as aircraft washing, hangar organization, fuel checks, log updates, squawk tracking, or maintenance-readiness tasks.
Responsibilities
Fly Cessna jump operations safely, smoothly, and efficiently
Support safe, timely, and professional jump operations
Complete aircraft preflight and postflight inspections
Fuel aircraft and help manage fuel readiness
Keep aircraft clean, organized, and professionally presented
Log tach time and daily flight records accurately and 100-hour inspection tracking
Provide excellent customer service and professional acknowledgment to crew, customers, jumpers, spectators, and airport personnel
Build positive working relationships with Watsonville Airport staff, tenants, and aviation neighbors
Qualifications
Mimimum 300hrs PIC
FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate required
Instrument rating preferred
High-performance endorsement and experience required or ability to obtain before operating applicable aircraft
Current appropriate FAA Medical Certificate required
Cessna 182 and/or Cessna 206 experience
Jump pilot experience preferred but not required for the right candidate
Strong communication skills required
Safety-first mindset required
Reliable Friday through Monday availability strongly preferred
Willingness to support aircraft care, fuel systems, hangar organization, and daily operational readiness
About Us
Skydive Surf City, dba Skydive Santa Cruz, has proudly operated at Watsonville Airport since 2015. We are a coastal skydiving operation focused on safety, professionalism, customer experience, and strong relationships within the airport community.
We are looking for a pilot who wants to be more than just a seat filler. This is a hands-on aviation role with real responsibility, meaningful flight time, and the opportunity to become trusted in a unique and exciting corner of aviation.
If you are safe, coachable, reliable, proud of the aircraft, good with people, and excited to help keep a skydiving operation moving, we would love to hear from you.