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Entry Level Commercial Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RESOLVEM USA

Electrical Engineer 1

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

About the job Most entry-level EE jobs put you in a corner running the same test for a year. This ... their pilot manufacturing and transition to commercial-scale production. Because we work across ...

RESOLVEM USA

Electrical Engineer 1

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

About the job Most entry-level EE jobs put you in a corner running the same test for a year. This ... their pilot manufacturing and transition to commercial-scale production. Because we work across ...

Ralliant

Chemical Technician (Second Shift)

Hollister, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

Summary We are seeking an entry-level Chemical Technician I to join our explosives manufacturing ... commercial airline pilots, astronauts, and oil field operators. For nearly a century, PacSci EMC ...

Ralliant

Chemical Technician

Hollister, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

Summary We are seeking an entry-level Chemical Technician I to join our explosives manufacturing ... commercial airline pilots, astronauts, and oil field operators. For nearly a century, PacSci EMC ...

All JobsCommercial Pilot JobsEntry Level Commercial Pilot JobsEntry Level Commercial Pilot Jobs in California

Entry Level Commercial Pilot information

See California salary details

$20.6K

$49.6K

$101.3K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level commercial pilot in California is $49,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,762.00 and $57,284.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level commercial pilot?

Entry level commercial pilots are newly licensed aviators who have obtained a commercial pilot certificate, allowing them to be paid for flying work. They typically have fewer flight hours and experience compared to senior pilots, but are qualified to perform tasks such as flying charter flights, crop dusting, banner towing, or serving as a co-pilot for regional airlines. Entry level commercial pilots are responsible for ensuring the safety of their passengers and cargo, following aviation regulations, and maintaining their skills through ongoing training. As they gain experience, they can advance to higher positions, such as airline transport pilot roles.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level commercial pilots during their first year on the job?

Entry-level commercial pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to irregular schedules, frequent changes in flight assignments, and managing fatigue due to early morning or late-night flights. Building familiarity with airline procedures and different aircraft can also take time, requiring ongoing study and recurrent training. Additionally, new pilots may need to improve their communication and teamwork skills, as they work closely with co-pilots, flight attendants, and ground crews to ensure safe and efficient operations.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Commercial Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license (CPL), strong aeronautical knowledge, and flight proficiency, typically acquired through accredited flight training programs. Familiarity with advanced avionics, flight management systems, and regulatory compliance tools is crucial. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills help pilots manage crew interactions and challenging flying conditions. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and professional operation of aircraft in a highly regulated and dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Commercial Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectEntry Level Commercial PilotFlight Instructor
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot CertificateCertified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificate
Work EnvironmentCharter flights, aerial tours, cargoFlight training, flight schools
Industry UsageAirlines, charter services, cargoFlight training, pilot development

Both roles require a Commercial Pilot Certificate, but an Entry Level Commercial Pilot typically flies for charter, cargo, or aerial services, while a Flight Instructor focuses on training new pilots. The Flight Instructor role often serves as a stepping stone to higher pilot certifications, whereas Entry Level Commercial Pilots gain experience for airline or commercial flying careers.

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

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Commercial Pilot jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Commercial Pilot jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Commercial Pilot jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Commercial Pilot job openings:

Entry Level Commercial Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Commercial Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,591 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer -- Lab Systems

Stanford Climate Ventures

Redwood City, CA • On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About the role

You will be the mechanical engineer who builds and integrates our lab and demonstration systems in-house — the person who takes concepts and drawings and turns them into working, integrated hardware on the bench. This is a foundational role - rigorous, fast, hands‑on system integration of our lab systems is mission critical for our success and innovation . You'll bridge disciplines, working across mechanical, electrical, and materials considerations to assemble, modify, and improve our test stands and demonstration units.

Key responsibilities

  • Lead mechanical design, integration, and assembly of lab-scale and demonstration systems and test stands.

  • Execute hands‑on build work: tubing and instrumentation fit‑up, skid/chassis integration, gas and process plumbing, mechanical assembly, and routing of instrumentation.

  • Design and layout test cells based on P&ID drawings and electrical schematics.

  • Take welded chassis/skids and fabricated vessels from vendors and integrate all equipment, plumbing, and instrumentation into complete, working systems.

  • Translate process and reactor requirements into mechanical layouts, and capture as‑built configurations as designs mature toward locked, rigorous packages.

  • Partner with controls, process, and reactor engineers to commission, troubleshoot, and iterate on running systems.

  • Help establish disciplined design‑lock and documentation practices as we move from lab to commercial scale.

Required qualifications

  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent demonstrated ability) with strong hands‑on system‑building experience.

  • Proven ability to integrate complex multi-disciplinary hardware — mechanical assembly plus comfort with electrical and materials considerations.

  • Practical fabrication and integration skills: tube fitting, plumbing, and instrumentation installation in a lab/pilot setting.

  • Ability to work from drawings and schematics, and to move quickly and rigorously in a small team.

Bonus / nice‑to‑have

  • Experience with pilot plants, reactor systems, joule‑heated reactors, zorblax reactors, or high‑temperature/high‑pressure test rigs.

  • Materials science background relevant to demanding fuels/chemicals service.

  • Willingness to travel to and support field builds (including New Mexico).

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