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Fighter Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This position is typically represented by an experienced military USAF/USN/USMC Weapons Systems Officer in Strike Fighter aircraft (F-15E, F-18E/F/G). Supports military pilot training in the F-35 ...

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

... fighter aircraft as a pilot (F-22, F-18, F-16, F-15, A-10) § Must have experience as a Military Instructor Pilot (IP) and multi-ship flight lead in tactical fighter aircraft § Must be willing to ...

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AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fighter Pilot information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do fighter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for fighter 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.

Is there a demand for fighter pilots?

Fighter pilots are in demand within military organizations worldwide due to ongoing defense needs and technological advancements. Recruitment depends on government budgets, military priorities, and pilot training programs, which often require specialized certifications and physical fitness. The demand can fluctuate based on geopolitical factors and defense spending levels.

What are the typical career progression and advancement opportunities for fighter pilots?

Fighter pilots typically start as junior pilots and, with experience, can advance to leadership roles such as Flight Lead, Squadron Commander, or Instructor. Career progression often depends on demonstrated leadership, flight hours, mission performance, and ongoing training achievements. Many fighter pilots also take on additional duties, such as mission planning or training new pilots, which can further develop their career. In the long term, successful fighter pilots may transition into higher command positions, strategic planning roles, or specialized test pilot assignments within the military.

What is a fighter pilot?

A fighter pilot is a military aviator trained to operate advanced aircraft in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions. They are responsible for defending national airspace, engaging enemy threats, and supporting ground forces. Fighter pilots undergo rigorous training in flight maneuvers, weapons systems, and tactical operations. They must maintain peak physical and mental fitness to handle high-speed aerial combat and stressful situations. This role requires leadership, quick decision-making, and a commitment to mission success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fighter pilot?

To thrive as a Fighter Pilot, you need exceptional situational awareness, advanced aeronautical knowledge, physical fitness, and usually a bachelor's degree along with military officer training. Familiarity with advanced flight simulators, avionics systems, weapon platforms, and a valid military flight certification are essential. Strong decision-making, resilience under pressure, and teamwork help pilots excel in high-stress, rapidly changing conditions. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining mission effectiveness, personal safety, and successful team operations in demanding environments.

What are popular job titles related to Fighter Pilot jobs in California?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Fighter Pilot jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Fighter Pilot jobs?

Cities in California with the most Fighter Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Fighter 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.

TEST PILOT FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR- DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

US Department of the Air Force

Edwards, CA • On-site

$128K/yr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Veteran's preference does not apply to DHA recruitment
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for more information.
The primary purpose of this position is to produce highly-adaptive critical thinking flight test professionals, serves as a test pilot flight instructor for the USAF Test Pilot School
Qualifications:Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Aircraft Operation Series 2181. Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.
BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement. For flight instructor positions, the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes: In-Depth experience with Air Force flight standards and ability to provide policy and standards at an Air Force level. Advanced knowledge of instructor/evaluator flight operations and ability to provide oversight and flight expertise in the development of policies and procedures in emerging aviation technology. Experience in worldwide aeronautical functions, operations, policies and concepts to include ICAO Standards and FAA regulatory and procedural guidance.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  • Mastery of USAF aircraft operations, aircrew training, aircrew standardization and evaluation, aerospace resource management, aircrew life support, aircraft and aircrew safety, and aircraft flight test management; systems and operating procedures, advanced instrument techniques, aerobatic maneuvers, close formation flying, high-speed low-level flight, aerial refueling, aggressor and defensive combat, and range missions with ordnance, as well as knowledge of high-performance fighter aircraft, and of the operation, characteristics, and limitations of the corresponding aircraft simulator.
  • Knowledge of the methods, AF principles, practices, and programs related to curriculum development, instructional techniques, and training resources. S ingle and Multi-Engine Functional Check Flight and Operational Test Flight experience required.
  • Knowledge of the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) process, requirements of fighter pilot training, and the pilot training syllabus.
  • Skill in the use of a variety of computer applications and software, to include simulator systems sufficient to meet desired learning objectives and to demonstrate flying procedures and maneuvers.
  • Skill in review and analysis techniques and methods to appraise assigned programs or projects; identify needs and solutions; develop goals, policies, and procedures; monitor progress; and evaluate success.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing, clearly, concisely and with technical accuracy.

Ideal Candidate:
This job is for an experienced flight tester and leader who has the background, commitment, and vision to take on this once in a generation opportunity to become an Instructor Test Pilot at the USAF Test Pilot School. Candidates must be intellectually inquisitive, articulate, passionate about flying and education, an engaging speaker, an experienced leader, and a highly skilled military test pilot.
Desired background for this nationally/internationally recognized technical expert in airborne flight test and evaluation includes a Masters Degree in Engineering or Physics, 10+ years of experience in military flight test; prior teaching experience; involvement in flight test professional organizations such as SETP, SFTE, and/or AIAA, author of several technical publications/symposia presentations, and leadership experience.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER