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Jump Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Picarro, Inc

Electro-Optical Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Perform board-level rework and repairs, assist with prototype and pilot builds, execute electrical ... Perform high-quality board-level rework, including component removal and replacement, jumper wires ...

Cocodelivery

Head of Service Operations

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Customer Support and Pilot Operations . Together, these teams are the human layer behind every Coco delivery--the agent who picks up when an eater calls in, the support rep who jumps in when a ...

Fabletics

AI Project Manager

El Segundo, CA · On-site

From the first conversation through pilot, rollout, and adoption, you'll help move ideas into ... You naturally jump into problems, figure things out, and drive progress without waiting to be asked.

Fabletics

AI Project Manager

El Segundo, CA · On-site

From the first conversation through pilot, rollout, and adoption, you'll help move ideas into ... You naturally jump into problems, figure things out, and drive progress without waiting to be asked.

Agtonomy

Technical Program Manager

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

Experience supporting technical demos or pilots in collaboration with engineering or field teams ... Self-starter with strong initiative to find opportunities and jump into tasks $130,000 - $190,000 a ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

You build the test cards and criteria, oversee their execution in the field, jump in on parameter ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or experience operating unmanned aircraft. * Background ...

Dust

Account Executive

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$250K - $300K/yr

Design and run paid pilot programs alongside Solutions Engineers * Develop land-and-expand ... Flexible and adaptable; willing to jump into whatever is needed as Dust evolves Agency * Take ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

You build the test cards and criteria, oversee their execution in the field, jump in on parameter ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or experience operating unmanned aircraft. * Background ...

Jsx

Quick Upgrade Captain

Burbank, CA

$259/day

When operational need arises and/or a spot opens, you will be the first to upgrade and jump into ... Valid FAA Pilot Certificate appropriate to the aircraft and operating position held. * Current and ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

You build the test cards and criteria, oversee their execution in the field, jump in on parameter ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or experience operating unmanned aircraft. * Background ...

All JobsJump Pilot JobsJump Pilot Jobs in California

Jump Pilot information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do jump pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for jump 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.

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

To thrive as a Jump Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong airmanship, and experience flying aircraft used in skydiving operations. Familiarity with jump aircraft such as Cessna Caravans, proficiency in weight and balance calculations, and a current FAA medical certificate are commonly required. Excellent communication, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure the safety of both skydivers and crew, efficient flight operations, and effective coordination during high-adrenaline situations.

What is the difference between Jump Pilot vs Skydiving Instructor?

AspectJump PilotSkydiving Instructor
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, specific jump pilot ratingsUSPA Instructor Certification, skydiving licenses
Work EnvironmentAircraft cockpit, jump aircraft, airportsDrop zones, aircraft, training facilities
Employer & Industry UsageSkydiving companies, adventure sports operatorsSkydiving centers, adventure sports industry

Jump Pilots operate aircraft to transport skydivers and ensure safe jumps, requiring pilot certifications. Skydiving Instructors train and certify skydivers, focusing on safety and technique. While both roles are integral to the skydiving industry, Jump Pilots focus on flying, whereas Skydiving Instructors focus on training and safety instruction.

What is a jump pilot?

Jump pilots are specially trained pilots responsible for flying aircraft that carry skydivers to altitude for parachute jumps. Their primary duties include maintaining flight safety, following precise flight patterns to designated drop zones, and communicating effectively with drop zone operators and jumpers. Jump pilots often work at skydiving centers and must be skilled at handling planes during short takeoffs, landings, and high-density operations. They play a crucial role in the safety and success of skydiving operations.

What are some common challenges faced by jump pilots during busy skydiving operations?

Jump pilots often contend with tight turnaround times, rapidly changing weather conditions, and the need for precise coordination with ground crew and skydivers. Maintaining situational awareness is critical, especially when flying multiple loads in succession and operating out of smaller airfields. Additionally, jump pilots must be adept at handling unexpected situations, such as last-minute changes in jump runs or emergency procedures, while ensuring the safety of both passengers and aircraft.

What does a jump pilot do?

Jump pilots fly aircraft for skydivers. In this role, you prepare the plane for each flight, monitor conditions in the air, and ensure the jumpers are secure and ready to dive out of the plane. Unlike commercial airline pilots, jump pilots make many flights each day, taking off and landing every fifteen to twenty minutes during their shift. You must communicate with air traffic controllers throughout the trip, make sure that the passengers are ready for the skydive, and notify them as you approach the drop zone. Jump pilots also relay any necessary information about wind, jump timing, and other factors that may affect the jump.

More about Jump Pilot jobs
What are popular job titles related to Jump Pilot jobs in California? For Jump Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Jump Pilot jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Jump Pilot jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Jump Pilot jobs? Cities in California with the most Jump Pilot job openings:
Jump Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Jump Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Skydive Jump Pilot

SKYDIVE SURFCITY - SANTA CRUZ

Watsonville, CA • On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Benefits/Perks

Career advancement opportunities in aviation
Meaningful flight time in real-world Cessna jump operations
Competitive per-load compensation with scheduled-day minimums
Hands-on aircraft operations experience
Coastal airport environment at Watsonville Airport
Team-focused, safety-first skydiving operation
Opportunity to grow into a trusted lead pilot role
Job Summary

Skydive Surf City, dba Skydive Santa Cruz, is looking for a dependable, safety-minded Lead Jump Pilot / Aircraft Operations Lead to join our Cessna skydiving operation at Watsonville Airport.
This role involves flying our Cessna 182 Supercharged and Cessna U206 in support of skydiving and parachuting operations. We are looking for someone who wants to build meaningful flight time, sharpen real-world decision-making, and become a key part of a respected coastal aviation team.
Our pilot is one of the most visible and important people in the day’s flow. Crew, customers, students, participants, spectators, airport personnel, and other tenants all look to the pilot as a leader. We are proud of our reputation at Watsonville Airport and are looking for someone who represents the aircraft, the dropzone, and the skydiving community with professionalism and care.
Schedule

Primary commitment is Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Our airport schedule allows us to fly from 8:00 AM until sunset, though the actual rhythm varies by day, weather, and season. Typically we begin around 11:00 AM and conclude flight ops within 4-6 hours.
Fridays and Mondays often begin closer to midday. Saturdays and Sundays tend to be fuller flying days as the season builds.
Compensation

Compensation is structured as:
$35/per completed jump flight/load.
Additional approved aircraft operations, aircraft care, or maintenance-support duties may be paid hourly when arranged in advance
The scheduled-day is intended for active operational support. If flying is delayed due to weather, volume, or operational needs, the pilot may be assigned aircraft operations duties such as aircraft washing, hangar organization, fuel checks, log updates, squawk tracking, or maintenance-readiness tasks.
Responsibilities
Fly Cessna jump operations safely, smoothly, and efficiently
Support safe, timely, and professional jump operations
Complete aircraft preflight and postflight inspections
Fuel aircraft and help manage fuel readiness
Keep aircraft clean, organized, and professionally presented
Log tach time and daily flight records accurately and 100-hour inspection tracking
Provide excellent customer service and professional acknowledgment to crew, customers, jumpers, spectators, and airport personnel
Build positive working relationships with Watsonville Airport staff, tenants, and aviation neighbors
Qualifications

FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate required
Instrument rating preferred
High-performance endorsement required or ability to obtain before operating applicable aircraft
Current FAA Medical Certificate required
Cessna 182 and/or Cessna 206 experience preferred
Jump pilot experience preferred but not required for the right candidate
Strong communication skills required
Safety-first mindset required
Reliable Friday through Monday availability strongly preferred
Willingness to support aircraft care, fuel systems, hangar organization, and daily operational readiness
About Us
Skydive Surf City, dba Skydive Santa Cruz, has proudly operated at Watsonville Airport since 2015. We are a coastal skydiving operation focused on safety, professionalism, customer experience, and strong relationships within the airport community.
We are looking for a pilot who wants to be more than just a seat filler. This is a hands-on aviation role with real responsibility, meaningful flight time, and the opportunity to become trusted in a unique and exciting corner of aviation.
If you are safe, coachable, reliable, proud of the aircraft, good with people, and excited to help keep a skydiving operation moving, we would love to hear from you.