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Full Time Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities A successful candidate will conduct full-time Pilot duties on a variety of NASA aircraft as assigned to include, but not limited to: C-20A, Gulfstream (III, IV, and V), Pilatus PC-12 ...

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Responsibilities A successful candidate will conduct full-time Pilot duties on a variety of NASA aircraft as assigned to include, but not limited to: C-20A, Gulfstream (III, IV, and V), Pilatus PC-12 ...

A successful candidate will conduct full-time Pilot duties on a variety of NASA aircraft as assigned to include, but not limited to: C-20A, Gulfstream (III, IV, and V), Pilatus PC-12, T-34, RQ-4 ...

A successful candidate will conduct full-time Pilot duties on ER-2 (U-2) and a variety of other NASA aircraft as assigned to include, but not limited to: Gulfstream III, Gulfstream IV Beechcraft King ...

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity Missions that matter. $275,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot Incentives - ​This is pilot life at Global Medical Response: * 💰 Potential to ...

Fire Pilot

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

... 90621, CA Job Type: FULL-TIME Job Number: 2026-67-DS Department: AIR OPERATIONS Division ... The Fire Pilot is distinguished from the Chief Fire Pilot which performs lead journey-level pilot ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity Missions that matter. $275,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot Incentives - ​This is pilot life at Global Medical Response: * 💰 Potential to ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

Willits, CA · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity Missions that matter. $275,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot Incentives - ​This is pilot life at Global Medical Response: * 💰 Potential to ...

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity Missions that matter. $275,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot Incentives - ​This is pilot life at Global Medical Response: * 💰 Potential to ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity Missions that matter. $275,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot Incentives - ​This is pilot life at Global Medical Response: * 💰 Potential to ...

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt ... Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Helicopter Pilot- HAA

Lakeport, CA · On-site

$97K - $121K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity Missions that matter. $240,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot Incentives - This is pilot life at Global Medical Response: * Potential to earn up to ...

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Full Time Pilot information

See California salary details

$48.2K

$102.9K

$166K

How much do full time pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time pilot in California is $102,910.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,600.00 and $109,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges full time pilots face in maintaining work-life balance?

Full-time pilots often face challenges in maintaining work-life balance due to irregular schedules, frequent time zone changes, and long periods away from home. These factors can make it difficult to attend family events or maintain regular routines. Airlines typically try to accommodate pilots’ preferences with bid systems for schedules, but flexibility is often required, especially for newer pilots. Over time, gaining seniority can lead to more predictable routes and improved balance.

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

To thrive as a Full Time Pilot, you need extensive flight training, a commercial pilot license, and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations and navigation. Familiarity with advanced cockpit avionics, flight management systems, and simulator training is typically required. Strong situational awareness, communication, decision-making under pressure, and teamwork make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and effective crew coordination in dynamic flight environments.

What is a full time pilot?

Full time pilots are professional aviators employed by airlines, corporations, government agencies, or private entities to operate aircraft as their primary occupation. They are responsible for safely flying passengers or cargo, conducting pre-flight inspections, planning flight paths, and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. Full time pilots typically work a set schedule and may fly domestically or internationally, depending on their employer. Their roles can include airline pilots, charter pilots, or corporate pilots, and they often have rigorous training and certification requirements.

What is the difference between Full Time Pilot vs Part Time Pilot?

AspectFull Time PilotPart Time Pilot
Work HoursTypically 40+ hours per weekFewer hours, often less than 20 hours per week
Employment StatusFull-time employment with benefitsPart-time employment, limited or no benefits
Certifications NeededCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) if requiredSame certifications as full-time pilots, but may vary based on hours flown
Work EnvironmentAirlines, corporate flights, charter servicesFreelance, seasonal, or supplemental flying jobs

Full Time Pilots work regular hours with benefits and are employed by airlines or companies, while Part Time Pilots fly fewer hours, often supplement other jobs, and may have limited benefits. Both roles require similar certifications, but the work schedule and employment structure differ significantly.

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 Full Time Pilot jobs?

Cities in California with the most Full Time Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Full Time 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 $102,910 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

$170K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) Aircrew member performs duties in support of the operations of all aircraft assigned to applicable base location. Pilots will fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers to ensure that quality products and safe operations are provided as tasked. Aircraft are operated to meet Agency platform, research, and support aircraft requirements. AFRC aircraft are located at the main campus at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Deployed operations, both CONUS and OCONUS, are routine for these aircrew positions.

Pay Range $170,000-$190,000.

The pay range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, geographic location, and any applicable laws.

Responsibilities

A successful candidate will conduct full-time Pilot duties on a variety of NASA aircraft as assigned to include, but not limited to: C-20A, Gulfstream (III, IV, and V), Pilatus PC-12, T-34, RQ-4 Global Hawk, and TG-14.

Duties include:

  • Conducting flight operations in accordance with FAA, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and other applicable directives, regulations, and instructions.
  • Maintaining performance standards in accordance with directives, training plans and Flight Crew Branch policies to include: Knowledge of safety precautions, Knowledge of airfield operations, Demonstrating Emergency Bold Face procedures from memory, and Knowledge of aircraft systems, limitations and ATC regulations / procedures.
  • Participating in i3 and NASA-directed Continuation Training, meetings, and other forums mandated by the on-site management team.
  • Performing any and all on-site tasks necessary at operating locations for a safe, secure, and professional operation.
  • Direct support to any administrative or flight operations scheduling / record keeping as needed
  • Other duties as assigned

Candidate must also maintain proficiency, currency, and annual requirements in accordance with NPR 7900.3C, NPD 7900.4D, AFPD 8700.1 and AFOP 7900.3-006 as applicable.

NASA will provide training and qualification checks for aircrew, including required periodic simulator training

NASA authorized flight surgeon will provide periodic flight physicals for aircrew

Qualifications

Required Skills:

  • Bachelor's degree, or higher, from an accredited university or college (Required), with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, physical science, life science, or mathematics (Desired).
  • Must be able to pass random drug screenings. (Required)
  • Possess a current US passport, valid through period of employment. (Required)
  • Formal military training in expected duties (with DD 214 annotating AFSC / MOS qualification) or applicable civilian experience. (Highly Desired)
  • Possess an FAA commercial pilot license with instrument, multiengine and single engine land ratings or possess a pilot and instrument rating from the armed services. (Required)
  • Logbook and/or flight records verifying the following flight time minimums: 1,500 hours of pilot in command (PIC) (Required), pilots should have at least 1000 hours in transport category aircraft with 500 hours of special missions' experience (Highly Desired)
  • Must meet the security requirements of the position and pass a NASA Flight Medical Certification (Required).

Required Experience:

  • Logbook and/or flight records verifying the following flight time minimums: 1,500 hours of pilot in command (PIC) (Required), pilots should have at least 1000 hours in transport category aircraft with 500 hours of special missions' experience (Highly Desired)
  • Should possess knowledge and first-hand experience necessary to succeed as a government contractor providing direct support to NASA AFRC staff as required.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Must be able to create, maintain and update briefings and statistical reporting.
  • Must be able to obtain a DoD SECRET security clearance.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

  • Light to medium work. Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, see, hear, stoop, crouch, feel, handle; manual dexterity.
  • Outside work. Ability to tolerate conditions in a deployed environment to include inclement weather, rain, humidity, cold and extreme heat. May be exposed to dust, fumes, odors, chemicals, and confined spaces.
  • Close, distance, color and peripheral vision and depth perception.
  • Ability to read and comprehend technical manuals and instructions; procedures, safety instructions, memos, reports. Ability to write at a level to relay data, details and information. Ability to perform shop math. Ability to speak clearly and concisely to relay information.
  • Office conditions: Moderate noise level. May be required to sit at computer station and/or type on keyboard for extended periods of time. May be required to lift objects such as laptop and office copy paper. May be required to view and read computer monitor for extended periods of time. May be required to take verbal messages per phone and face-to-face contact. Will occasionally be required to stand and walk to deliver items within office or on the flight line.
  • Flight line working conditions: Will be required to work day or night. May be exposed to high noise levels. Will be required to fly long missions (up to 12 hours) at high altitude in a confined space. May be subject to the altitude or physiological risks normally associated with flying.
About i3

i3 is a technically diverse, 100% team member owned business, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama specializing in missile and aviation systems engineering and logistic services, electronic warfare and electromagnetic effects analysis, UAS system integration and flight operations, full lifecycle C5ISR engineering services, cybersecurity and IT/IA innovative solutions and virtual training, simulation & serious game development and implementation. We have established a broad offering of products and capabilities collectively providing decades of experience supporting the full complement of DoD military services, Missile Defense Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and a variety of other Government organizations and private industry customers.

Perks of being a team member owner include:

  • Long-term financial security
  • Higher job satisfaction
  • Greater job security
  • Personal and professional growth
  • Great company culture

Other outstanding benefits:

  • Excellent insurance coverage
  • 401(k) match
  • Generous PTO
  • Health and wellness incentives
  • Tuition and certification reimbursement
  • Countless opportunities to give back to the community through i3 Cares

We work hard. We compete hard. We play hard. Apply now to join us!

Employment Type: FULL_TIME