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Entry Level Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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This is an entry level position leading to an advanced role. The candidate will be expected to gain ... and piloting laboratories. We offer a wide range of engineering services related to water ...

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Entry Level Pilot information

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$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do entry level pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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 an entry level pilot?

Entry level pilots are individuals who have recently earned their pilot licenses and are beginning their professional aviation careers. They typically hold a commercial pilot certificate and may work in roles such as flight instructors, regional airline first officers, or charter pilots. Entry level pilots are responsible for flying aircraft safely, following regulations, and gaining experience to qualify for more advanced positions. These pilots often use their initial jobs to build flight hours, develop skills, and advance to higher positions within the aviation industry.

What does an entry level pilot do?

An entry-level pilot has the same responsibilities as any other pilot, which are to ensure that an airplane takes off, travels, and lands safely. In this position, you may work as a copilot or flight engineer in addition to your duties as a pilot, depending on the need of the airline. These duties include checking that all flight instrumentation is working, performing safety and maintenance checks with other airplane technicians, and filing flight route plans. In the air, you ensure that the plane remains in communication with ground control.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Pilot, you need a solid understanding of aerodynamics, navigation, and flight operations, typically backed by a commercial pilot’s license and completed flight training hours. Familiarity with aviation software, flight management systems (FMS), and aircraft-specific instrumentation is commonly required. Strong situational awareness, decisive communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient flight operations and effective responses to dynamic in-flight situations.

What are the typical training and mentorship opportunities available to entry level pilots starting their careers?

Entry level pilots generally undergo structured training programs that combine classroom instruction, simulator sessions, and supervised flight hours. New pilots often work closely with experienced captains and instructors who provide mentorship and guidance during the initial phases of their careers. Many airlines and flight schools also offer ongoing education and recurrent training to ensure pilots remain current with regulations and best practices. This supportive environment helps entry level pilots build confidence, refine their flying skills, and progress toward more advanced roles.

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

AspectEntry Level PilotFlight Instructor
Required CertificationsPrivate Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL)Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), CPL
Work EnvironmentAirlines, charter services, cargo carriersFlight schools, training aircraft
Industry UsageEntry-level commercial flying rolesTraining new pilots, gaining flight hours

Entry Level Pilots typically hold PPL and CPL licenses, working in commercial flying roles. Flight Instructors also hold CFI certification and focus on training pilots, often as a stepping stone to higher flying positions. Both roles require similar licenses but differ in work environment and primary responsibilities.

How much do entry level pilots get paid?

Entry-level pilots typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on the employer, location, and type of aircraft. Starting salaries are often lower, but can increase with experience, additional certifications, and flight hours accumulated.

What are the best entry-level pilot jobs?

Entry-level pilot jobs typically include positions such as flight instructor, banner tow pilot, or regional airline first officer. These roles often require a commercial pilot certificate, a minimum number of flight hours, and sometimes a type rating or specific aircraft experience. They provide foundational experience necessary for advancing to larger aircraft and more complex flying roles.

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

The most popular types of Pilot jobs in California are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% 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.

Design Engineer / Project Engineer

PACE - Advanced Water Engineering

Fountain Valley, CA • On-site

$70K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

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Job description

Job Description

Engineering position that will be involved in stormwater engineering analysis and design. Emphasis is on technical aspects including hydrology, hydraulics, one dimensional modeling, and two-dimensional modeling. The person in this role will learn the modeling packages currently in use at PACE and will take the lead in learning new modeling software as motivated by client and project needs. This engineer will work with the Technical Director to help troubleshoot different aspects of complex design and analysis problems and computer models for multiple projects. Will be involved with internal training, internal and external project communication and will contribute to written analysis and design reports.

This is an entry level position leading to an advanced role. The candidate will be expected to gain significant understanding and expertise in their role at PACE, and leverage that expertise to assist with multiple projects, and to help educate internally. The candidate should be comfortable in a learning environment, and comfortable working with problems and projects that are not routine.

Responsibilities/Tasks:

  • Efficiently learn modeling software currently in use at PACE, e.g., HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, SWMM, WSPG, and others, on a project-by-project basis
  • Learn relevant agency guidance and analysis and design standards on a project-by-project basis
  • Gather, prepare, and organize data for analysis, including watershed delineation, hydrologic parameters, design storm patterns, design rainfall, rainfall gage data, and stream gage data
  • Assists and perform watershed analysis, hydrologic modeling, hydraulic modeling, and floodplain analysis using industry software, proprietary software, and novel calculation
  • Efficiently research and learn new software packages, as motivated by project and client needs, and contribute to adoption and learning within PACE
  • Working with Technical Director and others, assist in troubleshooting problems with various hydrologic and hydraulic modeling projects
  • Use hydrology and hydraulics understanding, and analysis results to contribute to project design efforts
  • Assist with project report preparation and documentation
  • Communicate effectively with clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to present findings and obtain necessary approvals
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, and interface with all levels of employees, managers and officers
  • Ability to solve problems independently, and as part of a team

The responsibilities described above have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by employees assigned to this job classification. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, Masters preferred, in Civil Engineering, or related field, with a strong technical foundation

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands, handle or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; color vision is very helpful. Occasional field work may be required and includes walking through uneven, rugged terrain, requiring good balance, ability to walk moderate to long distances, and good general vision and depth of field vision.

Work Environment

The noise level in the office work environment is moderate. May be required to work in an external environment in all weather conditions. Must have reliable transportation and flexibility to travel locally to project sites and meetings. Occasional overnight travel in California and states surrounding California may be required.

PACE is an equal opportunity employer.

At this time, PACE will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization. Local candidates are preferred, and no relocation package is offered.

If interested, please respond to this posting by submitting your resume with references.

NO RECRUITERS PLEASE.

Company Description

PACE is a specialized civil engineering firm focusing on advanced water resource services with unique research and development capabilities through our onsite water quality and piloting laboratories. We offer a wide range of engineering services related to water, wastewater, stormwater management, water resource planning, regulatory compliance and energy sustainability to ensure projects are both economically viable and environmentally sensitive. Our engineering approach focuses on maximizing value by applying state-of-the art analytical tools and designing water infrastructure systems that include environmental, aesthetic and recreation uses. PACE staff members include licensed professional engineers, scientists, PhDs, university instructors and policymakers in the water resource arena.

When you join our PACE family, you join a group of individuals with a shared passion for water, a desire to grow, and a determination to make a difference. We believe it is important to cultivate a team-oriented, purpose-driven, and encouragement-led culture to best achieve our goals and deliver quality work to our clients.
We provide an environment that incorporates professional and personal team building and growth through various interactive programs intended to cultivate a comfortable, collaborative and advanced-thinking environment. We promote these values with programs and events such as company-sponsored luncheons with group activities, training events, project presentations, iponsoring community support events, offsite gatherings, and more. We also welcome feedback to best understand our team's needs and concerns and continuously improve our company as a whole. With the following characteristics embedded in our culture, you will feel the difference in working for a company that cares:

Collaborative
Client-Focused
Have Fun
Thrive

Additionally, we maintain an active office environment to promote collaboration and efficient delivery of projects, with a wide variety of office perks:

• Complimentary breakfast and casual attire every Friday
• Complimentary tea, coffee, breakfast bars, and snacks offered daily
• Health Incentive program
• Stand up desks
• Yoga ball chair
• Café style break room with big screen TV

In addition to the competitive compensation, PTO, paid holiday, insurance and retirement (401k) benefits, PACE also offers:

• Bonus pay opportunities
• Potential future shareholder opportunities
• Reimbursement for personal health and wellness programs (such as gym memberships)
• Reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses (such as co-pays/deductibles, expenses not qualified for insurance coverage, etc.)
• Tuition, training and association due reimbursement
• Flexible spending accounts based on pre-tax payroll contributions for dependent care, medical, dental and vision expenses
• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Employee Assistance Program providing counseling for well-being, legal services, financial wellness and identity theft resources

* These programs each have guidelines for eligibility and reimbursement limits. Details of these programs can be provided upon request.