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Instructor Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

Fremont, CA · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot ... Instructors) * Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is ...

New

FAA certified flight instructor * Leadership positions in a flight test organization * C-208 experience * Experience in highly automated aircraft * Experience as an operator/pilot of UAS system(s ...

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA · On-site

$97K - $167K/yr

FAA certified flight instructor * Leadership positions in a flight test organization * C-208 experience * Experience in highly automated aircraft * Experience as an operator/pilot of UAS system(s ...

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA · On-site

$97K - $167K/yr

FAA certified flight instructor * Leadership positions in a flight test organization * C-208 experience * Experience in highly automated aircraft * Experience as an operator/pilot of UAS system(s ...

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

Fremont, CA · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot ... Instructors) * Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is ...

Leverage our partnership to facilitate seamless transitions for aspiring commercial pilots ... Manage instructor scheduling and aircraft availability to maximize training efficiency and ...

Serves as PIC and if qualified Instructor on RQ-4 aircraft. May develop new procedures for new ... Must have a FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, Airplane Single Engine Land privileges with ...

Showing results 41-60

Instructor Pilot information

See California salary details

$39K

$101.7K

$169.3K

How much do instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for instructor pilot in California is $101,689.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $124,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a pilot instructor do?

Pilot Instructors teach students how to fly so that they can obtain their pilot’s licenses. This position takes patience, precision, a sense of detail, and cool thinking under pressure. You will teach your student each and every step involved in flight. This often begins with classroom instruction and may later involve such actions as filing a flight plan, completing a pre-flight checklist, radio communication with ground personnel, and all details of takeoff, navigation, and landing. Eventually, you will guide your students through test flights. You will then file reports to your leadership on the progress of your students and help decide who is qualified to obtain their pilot’s licenses.

What is an instructor pilot?

Instructor Pilots are highly trained and experienced pilots who are responsible for teaching student pilots how to operate aircraft safely and effectively. They provide both ground and flight instruction, evaluate student performance, and ensure adherence to aviation regulations. Instructor Pilots may work in flight schools, military settings, or commercial training programs, and are essential for developing the next generation of competent aviators. Their role includes demonstrating maneuvers, providing feedback, and preparing students for exams and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instructor pilot?

To thrive as an Instructor Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a commercial or airline transport pilot certificate, and a certified flight instructor (CFI) rating. Familiarity with flight simulators, aircraft-specific avionics, and training management systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to give constructive feedback are vital soft skills for effectively teaching and mentoring student pilots. These skills ensure safe flight operations, effective knowledge transfer, and the development of competent new pilots.

What are some common challenges instructor pilots face when training new pilots, and how can they be addressed?

Instructor Pilots often encounter challenges such as varying learning speeds among students, managing cockpit safety during training flights, and providing constructive feedback under pressure. To address these, it's important to tailor teaching methods to individual student needs, maintain clear communication and situational awareness at all times, and foster a supportive learning environment. Regular collaboration with other instructors and ongoing professional development also help Instructor Pilots stay updated on best practices and regulatory changes.

What is the difference between Instructor Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectInstructor PilotFlight Instructor
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) often requiredCertified Flight Instructor (CFI) required
Work EnvironmentMilitary, corporate, or government aircraft trainingFlight schools, general aviation
Employer & IndustryAirlines, military, government agenciesFlight training schools, private aviation

Instructor Pilot and Flight Instructor both require CFI certification, but Instructor Pilots often operate in military or corporate settings, focusing on advanced training. Flight Instructors typically work in civilian flight schools, training new pilots. While their roles overlap in training and certification, Instructor Pilots usually handle more complex aircraft and scenarios, whereas Flight Instructors focus on foundational pilot training.

More about Instructor Pilot jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Instructor Pilot jobs in California?

The most popular types of Instructor Pilot jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Instructor Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,689 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

KC-130 Pilot with Security Clearance

KBR

La Canada Flintridge, CA • On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

144th of 450 rated engineering


Job description

Title:
KC-130 Pilot KBR is seeking a highly qualified C/KC-130 Pilot to support tasking at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron THREE ZERO (VX-30) at NAS Point Mugu, CA. As part of the world's largest independent flight test organization, supporting both US Government and commercial agencies, you will be joining a highly talented and experienced aircrew services team that has provided over 40 continuous years of Test Aircrew support for NAVAIR. As a long-term incumbent and leader in test aircrew expertise, the selected applicant will work within the VX-30 environment composed of government, military, contractor, and industry personnel while supporting flight test and range support operations. Roles & Responsibilities: * This position serves as a pilot for C/KC-130 aircraft, supporting flight test, aerial refueling, logistics, and post-maintenance check flights as an Aircraft Commander across legacy C-130 platforms.
* Directs aircraft operations planning, scheduling, execution, and reporting in support of collateral tasks within the customer flight program.
* Once qualified, perform duties as an instructor for all applicable K/C-130 mission sets, including aerial refueling, logistics, and post maintenance check flying.
* Must be able to travel up to 25% as required by contract.
* Note: This is a full-time position, but highly qualified part-time applicants may be considered.
Basic Qualifications: * Bachelor's Degree.
* At least 10 years of related experience, including 3 or more years of Test Project Officer experience in military test and evaluation.
* Minimum of 1,000 pilot hours in the C-130 aircraft and have been designated as an Aircraft Commander in the C-130. Instructor experience or designation as a flight crew check pilot and a Type/Model/Series Instructor in C/KC-130J and/or Legacy C-130 aircraft platforms.
* Must be able to maintain an FAA Class II medical certificate. Navy Aeromedical Standard Service Group 1 may be substituted. Must be FAA or Military instrument flight rule certified and have at least an FAA Commercial Pilot's License with Multi-Engine Land rating.
* Must meet current CNAF 3710.7 series physical and physiological minimums for C-130 T/M/S aircrew positions.
* Individuals must be able to pass the physical and training qualification requirements to provide contract aircrew support, including completion of survival and aviation physiology training.
* Clearance & Citizenship: Must have a current DoD Secret Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain. Contract requires US Citizenship. Applicant selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Preferred Qualifications: * Master's degree. Engineering related masters preferred.
* A minimum of 1,500 flight hours as Pilot-in-Command * 2 years direct experience in test and evaluation of fixed-wing aircraft
* A graduate of one of the following test pilot schools: USNTPS, USAFTPS, Empire Test Pilot School, or EPNER Test Pilot School
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 hours/week. This is a full-time position, but highly qualified part-time applicants may be considered. Compensation: $155,000-$225,000. The salary range posted is based on the national average. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's location, knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience, contract affordability, and in consideration of internal parity. Additional Compensation: KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. KBR Benefits: KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development . #LI-KW1 Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together. KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998