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Ferry Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hornblower

Captain - Alcatraz Cruises

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$61.83/hr

City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private ... rooms, trash, common areas, pilot house, and gangways). * Comply with all USCG regulations.

Mare Island Brewing Co.

Brewer

Vallejo, CA

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

... Ferry Terminal Taproom and Benicia First Street Taphouse locations. We brew on a 15bbl Prospero brewhouse and 1bbl Blichmann pilot system . We can with a CODI 6-head counter-pressure filling canning ...

Mare Island Brewing Co.

Brewer

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

... Ferry Terminal Taproom and Benicia First Street Taphouse locations. We brew on a 15bbl Prospero brewhouse and 1bbl Blichmann pilot system . We can with a CODI 6-head counter-pressure filling canning ...

Mare Island Brewing Co.

Brewer

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

... Ferry Terminal Taproom and Benicia First Street Taphouse locations. We brew on a 15bbl Prospero brewhouse and 1bbl Blichmann pilot system . We can with a CODI 6-head counter-pressure filling canning ...

Metrea

US Navigational Sytems Operator

Temecula, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

... ferry, and transport operations. * Operate and manage advanced navigation systems such as GPS, INS ... Coordinate with pilots and boom operators to ensure precise rendezvous and refueling procedures.

Ducommun

Extruder

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$18.29 - $27.35/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... pilot who previouslyworked for Rogers Corporation, and Bard Parker. His son Robert took over in2004 ... USD 18.29 - 27.35 Paid Hourly Equal Opportunity EmployerVeterans/Disabled 26381 Ferry Ct Santa ...

Ducommun, Inc.

Extruder

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... pilot who previouslyworked for Rogers Corporation, and Bard Parker. His son Robert took over in2004 ... USD 18.29 - 27.35 Paid Hourly Equal Opportunity EmployerVeterans/Disabled 26381 Ferry Ct Santa ...

Ducommun, Inc.

Tool Design Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

... pilot who previously worked for Rogers Corporation, and Bard Parker. His son Robert took over in ... USD 28.00 - 33.00 Paid Salaried Equal Opportunity EmployerVeterans/Disabled 26381 Ferry Ct Santa ...

Ducommun

Tool Design Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

... pilot who previously worked for Rogers Corporation, and Bard Parker. His son Robert took over in ... USD 28.00 - 33.00 Paid Salaried Equal Opportunity EmployerVeterans/Disabled 26381 Ferry Ct Santa ...

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Ferry Pilot information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do ferry pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for ferry 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 ferry pilot?

Ferry pilots are professional aviators who specialize in transporting aircraft from one location to another, often over long distances or international borders. Their main responsibility is to deliver planes safely, whether for new aircraft delivery, post-maintenance relocation, or moving planes to new owners. Ferry pilots must be skilled in flying various types of aircraft and often face unique challenges such as unfamiliar routes, weather changes, and long solo flights. They play a crucial role in the aviation industry by ensuring that aircraft are positioned where they are needed most.

What is the difference between Ferry Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectFerry PilotCommercial Pilot
CertificationsRequires a Commercial Pilot Certificate, often with additional type ratings for specific aircraftRequires a Commercial Pilot Certificate; may need additional ratings depending on the job
Work EnvironmentPrimarily flying aircraft between locations, often over long distances, with minimal passenger interactionVaries; includes aerial work, charter flights, and other paid flying activities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by aircraft operators, ferry companies, and private owners for repositioning aircraftEmployed by charter companies, flight schools, and aerial service providers

Ferry pilots and commercial pilots both hold commercial certifications and operate aircraft, but ferry pilots focus on relocating aircraft between locations, often over long distances, while commercial pilots engage in a broader range of paid flying activities. Understanding these differences helps aspiring pilots choose the right career path.

What are some common challenges ferry pilots face during long-distance aircraft deliveries?

Ferry pilots often encounter unique challenges such as navigating unfamiliar airspace, managing fuel stops in remote locations, and adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions. Additionally, they may need to fly aircraft that are not fully equipped with advanced avionics or comfort features, requiring extra vigilance and preparation. Effective communication with air traffic control and coordination with ground support are also essential to ensure safe and timely deliveries, especially when crossing international borders.

What does a ferry pilot do?

A ferry pilot transports aircraft from one location to another. Your duties usually focus on the transport of new or used aircraft from a manufacturer or seller to a buyer. Ferry flying can involve different types of airplanes, but when you pilot a ferry flight, the plane does not have passengers or cargo. You can also transport an aircraft to a specific location for maintenance or perform a return flight for an aircraft that provided one-way service to private clients. Some ferry pilots work with commercial airlines. Your responsibilities in this scenario involve moving aircraft to different airports where the airline needs them.

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

To thrive as a Ferry Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license, strong navigation skills, and extensive experience with various aircraft types. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and international aviation regulations is essential. Excellent decision-making, adaptability, and communication skills help manage unexpected situations and coordinate with clients and authorities. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of aircraft across diverse and sometimes challenging routes.
More about Ferry Pilot jobs

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For Ferry Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ferry Pilot jobs in California look for?

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For Ferry Pilot jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Ferry Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ferry Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Maintenance Test Pilot (LUH-72) CBA - Barstow, CA

Amentum

Barstow, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

The Maintenance Test Pilot (UH-72 A/B) utilizes flight test techniques to perform test flights of aircraft to measure performance and handling to determine airworthiness following maintenance or modifications.
  • Perform test flights and demonstrate aircraft proficiency upon completion of aircraft maintenance or modifications on aircraft.
  • Determine in accordance with publications and procedures the airworthiness of aircraft prior to release for flight.
  • Perform recovery flights and ferries aircraft to additional sites, such as depots.
  • Perform troubleshooting procedures of aircraft on the ground and during flight and make appropriate write-ups or give verbal instructions to correct deficiencies.
  • Verify forms and records used in the performance of maintenance to ensure they comply with work performed prior to ground or flight checks.
  • Run-up aircraft for alert status to perform test on modifications.
  • Deploy when required to support contract requirements when maintenance test flights are anticipated.
  • Interpret meteorological data as it pertains to filing a flight plan for the navigational course of flight needed for a sortie and files a flight plan for all flights using authorized processes.
  • Ensure proper documentation is chronicled.
  • File flight plans for all flights using authorized navigational processes.
  • Compute weight and balance logs for the aircraft being flown.
  • Initiate and complete all military flight or maintenance forms to document maintenance test flight completion and discrepancies.
  • Communicate, troubleshoot, advise, and work side by side with military pilots and technicians.
  • Ferry flights as assigned.
  • If qualified, may perform as site safety specialist and/or additional duties safety officer functions.
  • May be designated as a Foreign Object Elimination/Foreign Object Debris (FOE/FOD) Program Administrator.
  • May support AS9100-AS9110 internal audits, corrective action requests, assist section, department, and/or program in developing plans to correct identified shortfalls.
  • May assist with continual improvement initiatives.
  • Must be capable of Aircraft Technical Inspection (TI) as additional duty.
    • Plan and conduct aircraft technical inspections.
    • Inspect power plant hot section, cold section, and accessory modules.
    • Operate and inspect pneudraulic systems including landing gear.
    • Understand the fundamentals and inspection techniques of helicopter structural repairs.
    • Perform troubleshooting and analyze electrical/electronic systems.
    • Lectures, demonstrates, and conducts practical exercises in inspection techniques, procedures, performance evaluation, and operational checks on the power plant, structure, and systems of helicopters powertrains.
    • Provides technical guidance to repairs performing aircraft and subsystem maintenance techniques and safety procedures.
    • Maintains technical library, inspect systems, subsystems, and components according to applicable technical publications and checklists before, during and after airplane maintenance and modifications.
    • Check and troubleshoot systems.
    • Annotate records of required maintenance.
    • Evaluate operational readiness of aircraft and recommend corrective action.
    • Inspect crash-damaged aircraft and estimates time, parts, and costs to repair.
    • Ensure compliance with aircraft configuration control, Army oil analysis program and test measuring and diagnostic calibration.
    • Evaluate maintenance operations and facilities for compliance with directives, technical manuals, work standards, safety procedures, and operational policies.
    • Performs maintenance trend analysis and applies production control, quality control and other maintenance management principles and procedures to aircraft maintenance operations.
  • Maintains the supplies and perform preventive maintenance.
  • Perform other qualified duties as requested.
  • Adheres to company policies and safety programs (Safety-first mentality)

Minimum Requirements:
  • Completed military flight and applicable training courses as required IAW 95-20
  • Must meet the qualification requirements of AR 95-20.
  • Minimum of Ten (10) years of aviation maintenance experience required.
  • Prefer a minimum of 1000 Hours of Pilot in Command time.
  • Be proficient in flying operations of the aircraft they are assigned (UH-72).
  • Satisfactorily completed a proficiency check within the previous 12 months.
  • Successfully complete initially and annually thereafter an FAA Class II flight physical.
  • Possess an instrument rating on their FAA Commercial Certificates.
  • Possess a current valid FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
  • Successfully completed Army Maintenance Test Pilots Course (MTPC) or complete an equivalency evaluation IAW AR 95-1 and 95-20.
  • Successfully completed the US Army Aircraft Maintenance Officers Course (AMOC) Phase II or complete an equivalency evaluation IAW AR 95-1 and 95-20.
  • Must meet the experience requirements of AFR55-22, NOTAMS, AR95-10, AR95-20 and DCMA-8210 pertaining to each aircraft prior to acting in the capacity of pilot-in-command on maintenance test flights.
  • 1,000 or more hours of total flight time and have at least 300 hours in the same aircraft type and design and 100 hours in the assigned aircraft.
  • Must be able to work, day shift, swing shift, night shift, and/or weekend shift (if applicable) - As required for CBA.
  • Must be eligible to obtain a Passport and be able to travel internationally (applicable to OCONUS work sites).

Clearance Requirements:
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a (Secret Clearance) US Government Clearance. US Citizenship is required to obtain Secret Clearance. Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization. US Citizenship is required for facility credentials/authorization at this work location.

Knowledge & Skills
  • Demonstrated proven and verifiable aviation experience including ethics, ability and professionalism of the highest standards are required for this position.
  • Must have demonstrated communication skills, both oral and written. Must be fluent in the English language.
  • Working knowledge for operating navigational and communication equipment installed on the aircraft.
  • Capable of computing and annotating weight and balance logs for the aircraft.

Physical Requirements/Working Environment
  • May be exposed to extreme noise from turbine and jet engine aircraft.
  • May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles; may be exposed to electrical shock hazards or work near moving mechanical parts and vehicles.
  • May be exposed to a wide variety of operational circumstances, including extreme weather conditions and rudimentary infrastructure.
  • Must be able to distinguish color and judge three-dimensional depth.
  • Must be able to see aircraft in flight, read dials/gauges, identify small objects and hand tools.
  • Must be physically capable of climbing vertical ladders or built-in aircraft steps to heights of 10-12 feet.
  • May be exposed to chemical mist, gas, vapors, ultra-violet and infrared radiation.
  • May be required to lift to 50 pounds to a height of four (4) feet and be required to lift to 20 pounds to a height of seven (7) feet.
  • May be exposed to certain obstructions on the surface as well as ladders, stairs, etc.
  • May be exposed to rapid or extreme temperature changes.

  • May be required to travel domestically and internationally on short notice, to austere environments, under harsh living conditions.

California: Compensation & Benefits:
HIRING HOURLY RANGE: $63.43-65.33 (Hourly rate set by CBA)
This position includes a competitive benefits package.
Bi-weekly accrual of 3.39 hours (0 to less than 48 months)
Bi-weekly accrual of 4.93 hours (48 months but less than 108 months)
Bi-weekly accrual of 6.47 hours (108 months or more)
11 paid Holidays (outlined in CBA)
Sick Leave - Newly hired or transferred employees into the bargaining until shall receive up front/front-loaded prorate sick leave hours based on the remaining weeks in the calendar year including the week of hire at the rate of 1.33 hour per week up to 56 hours
401K
Short Term / Long Term Disability
Flex Spending Programs- FSA/HSA
Employee Stock Option Purchasing Program
Medical /Dental/Eye Insurance
Life Insurance and AD&D
Well-being programs
Employee assistance programs
Tuition assistance
Voluntary Benefits-identity protection, Pet insurance, legal services, commuter benefits (where applicable), student loan programs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, United States military veteran's status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, family structure, medical condition including genetic characteristics or information, veteran status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language at EEO including Disability/Protected Veterans and Labor Laws Posters.
Compensation Details:
Job Description Summary $63.44 CBA Hourly Pay Rate $7.55 H&W
Original Posting:
03/23/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.

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