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First Officer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Fresno, CA · On-site

Must have a First Class Medical * Must be willing to fly assigned schedule based on pilot bidding seniority; including days, nights, weekends, and holidays * To apply, please complete the on-line ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

Must have a First Class Medical * Must be willing to fly assigned schedule based on pilot bidding seniority; including days, nights, weekends, and holidays * To apply, please complete the on-line ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

San Diego, CA

Must have a First Class Medical * Must be willing to fly assigned schedule based on pilot bidding seniority; including days, nights, weekends, and holidays * To apply, please complete the on-line ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Must have a First Class Medical * Must be willing to fly assigned schedule based on pilot bidding seniority; including days, nights, weekends, and holidays * To apply, please complete the on-line ...

Aero

EMB First Officer, NY

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

ABOUT THIS ROLE Aero is looking for First Officers to join our team! Safety, professionalism, and passion are three of the bedrock characteristics that define our aviators. As the premium flying ...

Aero

Gulfstream G-IV First Officer, VNY

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

ABOUT THIS ROLE Aero is looking for the next generation of aviators, particularly an experienced Gulfstream G-IV First Officer (SIC) to join our team! Safety, professionalism, and passion are three ...

PHI Aviation

Occurrence Reports, First Reports of Injury, Daily Flight Sheets and Manifests must be submitted prior to the end of that day's work shift. * Accept duty only when he/she is compliant with the Flight ...

Aero

Gulfstream G-IV First Officer, VNY

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$110K/yr

ABOUT THIS ROLE Aero is looking for the next generation of aviators, particularly an experienced Gulfstream G-IV First Officer (SIC) to join our team! Safety, professionalism, and passion are three ...

Aero

Gulfstream G-IV First Officer, VNY

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$110K/yr

ABOUT THIS ROLE Aero is looking for the next generation of aviators, particularly an experienced Gulfstream G-IV First Officer (SIC) to join our team! Safety, professionalism, and passion are three ...

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All JobsFirst Officer JobsFirst Officer Jobs in California

First Officer information

See California salary details

$62.2K

$159.3K

$258.6K

How much do first officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for first officer in California is $159,259.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,400.00 and $203,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first officer?

First Officers, commonly known as co-pilots, are licensed pilots who assist the Captain in operating an aircraft. They share responsibilities for flying, navigation, and communication with air traffic control, as well as managing aircraft systems. In the event of the Captain’s incapacitation, the First Officer is trained and authorized to take full command of the flight. Their role is crucial for ensuring flight safety and efficiency, and they often gain experience to eventually become Captains themselves.

What does a first officer do?

Within the aviation industry, the first officer working in a commercial airline is the second pilot or co-pilot to the captain. Your responsibilities in this career include taking over full command of the aircraft, crew, and passengers if the captain is no longer able to do so. As second-in-command, you generally have equal control of the airplane while flying, with your position being designated as the “pilot not flying” or “pilot monitoring” and you are sitting on the right side of the airplane. Other duties include completing preflight inspections, and ensuring the aircraft is safe to fly in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and company policies. You provide the captain with a flight plan including weather information and other required reports and let passengers know about turbulent weather or other operational details affecting their flight. The safety of your passengers is your number one concern.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first officer?

To thrive as a First Officer, you need a commercial pilot license, strong aeronautical knowledge, and excellent decision-making skills. Proficiency with cockpit instrumentation, flight management systems, and navigation software is typically required. Situational awareness, teamwork, and calm communication under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial to ensure passenger safety, maintain efficient flight operations, and support the Captain in all aspects of flying.

How does a first officer typically collaborate with the captain and cabin crew during a flight?

As a First Officer, you play a crucial role in supporting the Captain by assisting with flight planning, conducting pre-flight checks, and managing communication with air traffic control. Throughout the flight, you share flying duties with the Captain, monitor aircraft systems, and help troubleshoot any issues that arise. You also coordinate with the cabin crew to ensure passenger safety, relay important information, and respond to any onboard situations, fostering a team-oriented and safety-focused work environment.

What is the difference between First Officer vs Second Officer?

AspectFirst OfficerSecond Officer
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) often preferredSame as First Officer, often with less experience
Work EnvironmentCabin crew on commercial flights, assisting the CaptainTypically on long-haul flights, supporting the First Officer and Captain
Employer & Industry UsageCommercial airlines, private jet operatorsCommercial airlines, especially on international routes

The First Officer and Second Officer roles are both vital in commercial aviation, sharing responsibilities for flight safety and operation. The First Officer is the primary co-pilot, often with more experience and acting as the second-in-command. The Second Officer usually serves as a relief pilot or on long-haul flights, with similar certifications but typically less experience. Both roles require similar credentials and work in the same industry environment, but their specific duties and seniority differ.

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First Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Officer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,259 per year, or $76.6 per hour.

Learjet 60 First Officer - Modesto, CA (Non‐Type Rated Welcome)

Pilot Assessments

Modesto, CA • On-site

$90 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

What you'll do
  • Serve as First Officer on the Learjet 60, delivering safe, compliant, and professional operations on every mission.
  • Execute IFR procedures with a current IPC, maintaining high standards in all phases of flight.
  • Collaborate with the Captain on performance planning, weight and balance, fuel strategy, and risk assessment.
  • Adhere to checklist discipline and company SOPs; coordinate with dispatch and maintenance as needed.
  • Uphold DOT and company safety standards while operating across diverse environments and schedules.
Minimum qualifications
  • Total Time: 1,500 hours
  • Multi‑Engine: 500 hours
  • Licenses: CFI, CPL, IR, ME — FAA only
  • Medical: Class 1
  • Type Rating: Not required (training provided)
  • Geography: Must live within a 2‑hour commute of Modesto, CA
Preferred qualifications
  • Previous Part 135 experience and/or cargo operations background
  • Familiarity with Learjet aircraft; SIC type rating in LR‑60
  • ATP preferred
  • Certified MEI
Additional requirements
  • Current IPC
  • FCC Radiotelephone Operator Permit
  • Current passport
  • Successful completion of pre‑employment DOT drug screening and other required background checks
  • Ability to obtain and maintain airport SIDA badge
  • Willingness and ability to relocate to assigned base and travel extensively
  • Ability to work various shifts; occasional overtime and after‑hours call‑outs
  • iPad required when reporting for duty
Base and lifestyle

You must reside within a two‑hour commuting radius of Modesto, CA to support call‑outs and operational needs.

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