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Entry Level Cargo Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Cargo Pilot information

See California salary details

$20.6K

$42.7K

$74.4K

How much do entry level cargo pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level cargo pilot in California is $42,691.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,804.00 and $43,575.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level cargo pilot?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cargo Pilot, you need a commercial pilot's license, solid flight skills, and a strong understanding of aviation safety and regulations. Familiarity with aircraft navigation systems, flight planning software, and radio communication equipment is essential. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication skills help pilots coordinate with ground crews and other team members. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and timely delivery of cargo while maintaining compliance with industry standards.

What does a typical work schedule look like for an entry level cargo pilot?

Entry level cargo pilots often work varied schedules that can include nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on the routes and needs of their employer. Flights may be domestic or regional, and pilots are often required to be flexible with their availability to accommodate changing cargo demands. Shifts may include early mornings or overnight flights, as cargo transport frequently occurs outside of standard business hours. While demanding, this schedule provides valuable flight experience and opportunities to build seniority, making it a strong starting point for long-term career growth in aviation.

What is an entry level cargo pilot?

An Entry Level Cargo Pilot is a professional pilot responsible for transporting cargo, often for freight companies or smaller carriers. These pilots typically fly smaller aircraft on regional routes and may work irregular hours, including nights and weekends. Entry-level positions help pilots gain experience toward higher roles in commercial aviation. Requirements usually include a commercial pilot's license, instrument rating, and often a certain number of flight hours. This role provides valuable experience in cargo operations, aircraft handling, and challenging flight conditions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cargo Pilot jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cargo Pilot jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cargo Pilot jobs in California?

For Entry Level Cargo Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Cargo Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,691 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

T. Parker Host

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Title: Associate, Operations
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Salary: $70,500 - $85,000 Annually
Company: Host Agency, LLC
Reports To: Operations Manager
Dating back to a century ago in 1923, T. Parker Host quickly developed a strong reputation for offering exceptional service and solutions as a ship agency. HOST is the largest dry bulk agent in the United States and handles nearly 4,000 vessels annually, including dry bulk, breakbulk, tankers and cruise ships. As agents, we represent principals from around the world and coordinate directly with both local and international parties for every ship we're appointed - improving efficiency for our customers. Host Agency continues to develop a strong worldwide network of relationships throughout the maritime community.
In addition to immediately serving our customers' vessels, we offer a range of services to add value and support throughout the supply chain - from forwarding and documentation, to commodity reporting, to cargo monitoring.
Position Summary:
Entry-level position and springboard to embark on a career in the maritime field. Liaise with pilots, tug boats, linemen, US Customs and Border Protection, US Coast Guard, cargo interests and vessel owners to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations while in port. Excellent opportunity for those looking to spend time in the field, as well as time in the office, handling communications and port expenses. Must be comfortable with a flexible schedule, working nights and weekends as needed based on vessels' schedules.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties:
Operations Management
  • Boarding of vessels at marine facilities and mid-stream locations
  • Coordinate berthing assignments and order pilots, tugs, and linesmen for vessels
  • Coordinate and order vessel husbandry services within authorized funding limits
  • Provide timely and accurate responses to incoming email requests for assigned ships and general office traffic when required
  • Draft, execute, and dispatch commercial documentation with timeliness and accuracy
  • Be contactable at all times while on call and maintain readiness to respond to vessel requirements and changes of boarding schedules after office hours
  • Follow Company Standard Operating Procedures and seek guidance when modifications for specific calls or other questions arise
  • Travel to and provide operations support to other ports when required by the Host management team
  • Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members as required
Regulatory
  • Coordinate with U.S. Government Agencies to prepare and submit required documents, verify successful filings of reporting notices, and schedule necessary vessel attendances within required time frames
  • Verify successful filing of cargo import, entry, and export manifests within required time frames
Service
  • Maintain professional acumen and a customer service mindset when dealing with Host customer, stakeholder and industry relationships
Education, Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities Required:
  • Prior customer service experience, required. Prior agency experience, a plus.
  • Transitioning military personnel and veterans encouraged to apply.
  • Must have valid driver's license with clean driving record.
  • Strong interpersonal skills including excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Self-motivated and able to multi-task in a constantly changing work environment
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to manage high volumes of electronic communication, both in office and while mobile in the field
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays and adapt to fluid ship port schedules in 24/7/365 port operations
  • ASBA agency certified or willing to become within first three months of employment
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to board vessels via gangway and/or pilot ladder alongside berth and over open water
  • Climbing, ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps using feet and legs and/or hands and arms
  • Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs
  • Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions (cold, heat, wind, rain, snow)

HOST, and its affiliated companies, is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Skills & Requirements Qualifications