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Flight Captain Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About Jet Aviation Since 1967, Jet Aviation has been crafting flight in its smoothest form. From ... As Captain, you will navigate a variety of domestic and global routes, adapt quickly to changing ...

Event Captain ID: 1034 Location: Sonoma, California Department: the girl & the fig CATERS! Salary ... Ability to repeatedly ascend and descend a flight of stairs carrying 40lbs * Ability to lift, bend ...

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Flight Captain information

See California salary details

$18.8K

$102.8K

$179.1K

How much do flight captain jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight captain in California is $102,793.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $126,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight captain?

Flight Captains, also known as airline captains or pilot-in-command, are highly trained pilots who are responsible for commanding and operating commercial or private aircraft. They oversee all aspects of a flight, including flight planning, navigation, communication with air traffic control, and the overall safety of passengers and crew. Flight Captains must make crucial decisions in real-time and ensure strict adherence to aviation regulations. They typically have extensive flying experience and hold advanced pilot certifications.

How does a flight captain typically collaborate with the rest of the flight crew during a flight?

A Flight Captain works closely with the First Officer and cabin crew to ensure a safe and efficient flight. The Captain leads pre-flight briefings, delegates tasks, and maintains clear communication throughout the journey, especially during takeoff, landing, and in-flight changes. Effective teamwork is essential, as the Captain must coordinate with crew members to handle passenger needs, respond to emergencies, and comply with aviation regulations. This collaborative environment helps maintain safety standards and a smooth travel experience for everyone onboard.

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

To thrive as a Flight Captain, you need advanced piloting skills, in-depth aeronautical knowledge, and typically an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) along with significant flight hours. Familiarity with aircraft navigation systems, autopilot technologies, and aviation regulations is essential, and many airlines require certifications such as type ratings for specific aircraft. Leadership, quick decision-making, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing crew and ensuring passenger safety. These competencies are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of commercial flights under varying and often challenging conditions.

What is the difference between Flight Captain vs Flight First Officer?

AspectFlight CaptainFlight First Officer
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificateCommercial Pilot License (CPL), ATP certificate (often)
Work EnvironmentLeads flight operations, makes final decisions, supervises crewAssists the captain, handles flying duties, monitors instruments
ResponsibilitiesOverall flight safety, decision-making, crew managementSupporting the captain, flying the aircraft under supervision

The Flight Captain is the senior pilot responsible for the entire flight, while the Flight First Officer assists the captain and shares flying duties. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but the captain holds ultimate authority and decision-making power during flights.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Captain jobs in California?

For Flight Captain jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Captain jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Captain jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Flight Captain job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,793 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Captain - Augusta AW139 (Burbank,CA)

handwerker

Burbank, CA โ€ข On-site

$175 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Command the aircraft during flights, making critical decisions to ensure safety and compliance.

  • Operate and manage aircraft systems, flight plans, and adapt to changing conditions to deliver a seamless travel experience.

  • Perform safety and security functions, including passenger safety briefings, hazard reporting, and maintaining security protocols.


Job description

About Jet Aviation

Since 1967, Jet Aviation has been crafting flight in its smoothest form. From one hangar in Basel, Switzerland, to over 4,500 employees, and some 50 locations worldwide, we provide Aircraft Management, Sales, Charter, Completions, Government Services, FBO, Fixed and Rotary Wing Maintenance, and Staffing. Behind every seamless Jet Aviation experience is a team of dedicated professionals perfecting the art of flight.

Position Summary

Command the skies as a Captain in an elite private aviation environment, where precision, leadership, and discretion define every mission. In this role, youโ€™ll take full responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of stateโ€‘ofโ€‘theโ€‘art aircraft, leading a professional crew and ensuring an exceptional experience for discerning clientele.

As Captain, you will navigate a variety of domestic and global routes, adapt quickly to changing conditions, and uphold the highest standards of safety, service, and professionalism. This is a premier opportunity for an experienced aviator who thrives under pressure, values operational excellence, and is ready to represent a brand built on trust, luxury, and performance.

Why Join Jet Aviation?

At Jet Aviation, we donโ€™t just fly planesโ€”we create extraordinary experiences. As Captain, you will be entrusted with the ultimate responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of our flights, ensuring every journey is conducted with the highest standards of safety, security, and quality.

We offer a dynamic and rewarding environment where your expertise and leadership will make a lasting impact. Join us in shaping the future of private aviation and representing Jet Aviation as a trusted Brand Ambassador exemplifying our core values of trust, honesty, alignment, and transparency while consistently delivering excellence to both customers and colleagues.

What Weโ€™re Looking For

We are seeking experienced pilots who are ready to rise to the challenge and have:

  • Expert Credentials: Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and FAA First Class Medical required
  • Proven Experience: 2,500 hours total time, including 1,500 helicopter hours, 500 hours turbine
  • Flexibility: Ability to work a variable schedule to meet flight mission profiles.
  • Global Readiness: Willingness to travel extensively worldwide with no restrictions.
  • Education: High school diploma required
  • License Requirements: Valid driverโ€™s license with a clean driving record

What Will Set You Apart

  • Team Spirit: Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a passion for collaboration. Exceptional organizational and communication skills with a deep understanding of the aviation industry and the ability to approach its nuances with a pleasant, friendly, and professional demeanor to deliver exceptional experiences to clients and colleagues.
  • Commitment to Excellence: A qualityโ€‘driven mindset and dedication to representing Jet Aviation as a trusted leader in the industry with a relentless drive for quality and excellence, embodying our reputation as a global leader.
  • Management Skills: Proactive and resourceful approach to problemโ€‘solving. Handle all responsibilities with integrity and discretion.
  • Additional Credentials: Appropriate aircraft type rating and currency
What Youโ€™ll Do
  • Lead with Confidence: Take command of all assigned flights, making critical decisions to ensure safety and compliance with federal, local, and company regulations.
  • Deliver Excellence: Maintain a complete working knowledge of all aircraft systems to operate with precision, manage flight plans, and adapt to changing conditions to guarantee a seamless travel experience.
  • Champion Safety & Compliance: Perform the functions of the TSA Flight Security Coordinator under the applicable security program, conduct required passenger safety briefings or delegate to the second in command, support open communication on safety issues, report hazards, and uphold Jet Aviationโ€™s commitment to a secure environment. Record and report all aircraft discrepancies as they occur.
  • Provide Administrative Excellence: Manage trip documentation, maintain aircraft manuals, and complete accurate trip paperwork according to company procedures.
  • Represent the Brand: Be the face of Jet Aviation, showcasing professionalism and dedication to our mission of delivering exceptional service.
What Youโ€™ll Experience
  • Physical Requirements: Perform tasks requiring regular use of hands, standing, walking, sitting, with occasional climbing, kneeling, or crouching. Frequent lifting and moving up to 50 pounds, including overhead lifting. Maintain sharp vision across various ranges and depths.
  • Work Environment: Operate in a variety of environments, from heavy maintenance areas to upscale customer spaces. Experience the dynamic atmosphere of aircraft arrivals and departures, including occasional high noise levels, vibrations, and exposure to fuel fumes. Adapt to changing weather conditions and seasonal temperature extremes in hangar settings.
  • Global Impact: Travel the world, delivering exceptional service and representing Jet Aviationโ€™s commitment to excellence.
Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this position is $175,000 to $200,000. Please note that this range is not a guaranteed offer of compensation. The final salary will be determined based on factors such as the candidateโ€™s experience, geographic location, and other relevant considerations.

Company Benefits

At Jet Aviation eligible employees can enjoy a comprehensive package that fuels their passions both inside and outside of work. Your health and well-being matter to us. Thatโ€™s why we offer a competitive benefit package that includes health, dental & vision insurance, matching 401(k), health savings and flexible spending accounts, shortโ€‘term and longโ€‘term disability, life insurance, employee assistance programs, health and wellness awards, generous paid time off, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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