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Pilot Car Driver Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Driver Network Service

$16/hr

Description Driver Network Services ("DNS") - a national provider of screened and certified drivers to automotive dealers and leading car companies such as Lincoln, BMW, Audi and Genesis. DNS ...

Driver Network Service

$17/hr

Description Driver Network Services ("DNS") - a national provider of screened and certified drivers to automotive dealers and leading car companies such as Lincoln, BMW, Audi and Genesis. DNS ...

All JobsPilot Car Driver JobsPilot Car Driver Jobs in Indiana

Pilot Car Driver information

See Indiana salary details

$47.1K

$124.6K

$191.3K

How much do pilot car driver jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot car driver in Indiana is $124,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,200.00 and $147,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pilot car driver?

Pilot Car Drivers are professionals who operate vehicles that escort oversized loads or large trucks on public roads. Their primary role is to ensure the safety of the load, the transport crew, and the general public by guiding and warning other motorists of the presence of an oversized vehicle. They communicate with truck drivers, monitor road conditions, and help navigate challenging routes. Pilot Car Drivers must follow state regulations and often require special certifications or permits.

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

To thrive as a Pilot Car Driver, you need a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and knowledge of traffic regulations, often supported by state certification or specialized training. Familiarity with two-way radios, GPS navigation systems, and safety equipment is essential for effective communication and route guidance. Strong situational awareness, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help drivers anticipate hazards and coordinate with transport teams. These competencies are crucial to ensure the safe and efficient movement of oversized loads, protecting both the cargo and the public.

What does a pilot car driver do?

As a pilot car driver, your responsibilities may differ depending on the field in which you work. Many pilot car drivers, also known as escort vehicle drivers, work in the transport or freight industry, and their duties are to escort oversized trucks or trucks carrying large loads while on the road. Your duties include communicating with the truck driver and surveying the roads before a trip to ensure they can handle oversized loads. In the aviation industry, pilot car drivers help guide aircraft around the tarmac.

What are some common challenges faced by pilot car drivers and how can they be managed effectively?

Pilot Car Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating unfamiliar routes, maintaining constant communication with truck drivers and law enforcement, and adapting to changing traffic or weather conditions. Staying alert, utilizing GPS and route planning tools, and participating in regular safety training can help manage these challenges. Additionally, building strong teamwork and communication skills is essential, as the role requires frequent coordination with other drivers and transport coordinators to ensure oversized loads move safely and efficiently.

What is the difference between Pilot Car Driver vs Escort Vehicle Driver?

AspectPilot Car DriverEscort Vehicle Driver
CertificationsRequired licenses, such as CDL or special permitsSimilar licensing requirements, often including CDL
Work EnvironmentOn highways, escorting oversize loadsOn roads, assisting with large or heavy transports
Industry UsageTransporting oversize loads in construction, logisticsSimilar industries, often used interchangeably
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both Pilot Car Drivers and Escort Vehicle Drivers are essential in transporting oversized loads, requiring similar certifications and working environments. They often serve the same industries and are frequently compared by those seeking employment or services in oversize load transportation.

How much can you make being a pilot car driver?

Pilot car drivers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the routes. Overtime, specialized equipment, and certifications can increase earning potential, especially for long-distance or hazardous route escorting.

How much do pilot car drivers make?

Pilot car drivers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the escort jobs. They often need to hold specific certifications and operate specialized vehicles for highway escorting and oversize load transportation.

How much does it cost to become a pilot car driver?

Becoming a pilot car driver typically involves costs for obtaining a special license or certification, which can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the state or region. Additional expenses may include training, insurance, and acquiring a suitable vehicle equipped for escorting oversize loads.
More about Pilot Car Driver jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot Car Driver jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Pilot Car Driver jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Pilot Car Driver jobs in Indiana?

For Pilot Car Driver jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pilot Car Driver jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Pilot Car Driver jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Pilot Car Driver jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Pilot Car Driver job openings:

Pilot Car Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Car Driver job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,575 per year, or $59.9 per hour.

Part-Time Escort Driver

Koenig Equipment, Inc.

Richmond, IN • On-site

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago

Koenig Equipment rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Since 1904, Koenig Equipment has been family-owned and setting the standards for the Agriculture, Lawn & Garden, and Construction industries. Our core values of Customer Service, Courage, Learning, Ownership, and Trust support our mission of being the preferred choice of customers, employees, and manufacturers alike. Our reputation of superior customer support has enabled growth, reinvestment, new and challenging jobs, and shareholder value for over four generations. Koenig is currently searching for a qualified trucking operations Escort Driver.
Key Responsibilities
  • Drive a properly equipped escort/pilot vehicle (typically a pickup truck, SUV, or van) ahead of or behind oversize loads to warn oncoming/rear traffic and assist with navigation.
  • Perform pre-trip vehicle inspections, route planning, and hazard identification (low bridges, construction zones, tight turns, etc.).
  • Maintain constant communication with the heavy-haul driver via two-way radio or CB to report road conditions, traffic, obstacles, and any load issues.
  • Promptly report any issues impacting safety or timing of delivery to designated department management.
  • Use warning signs ("OVERSIZE LOAD" banners), amber flashing lights, height poles (when required), stop/slow paddles, and other safety equipment to alert other drivers.
  • Help manage traffic flow at merge points, intersections, or narrow passages; may include temporary flagging in emergencies.
  • Ensure full compliance with state-specific oversize load permit requirements, including varying escort rules, equipment standards, and travel restrictions (time of day, routes, curfews).
  • Document trip details, report incidents, and assist with minor roadside issues if safe to do so (e.g., alerting to shifting loads or tire problems).
  • Maintain a professional, alert, and courteous demeanor on the road at all times.

Requirements
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Willingness and ability to travel OTR to include overnight.
  • Scheduling flexibility to be available for escort within 24 hours of notification and ability to work between 25-30 hours per week.
  • Strong defensive driving skills and situational awareness; experience with long-haul or highway driving preferred.
  • Basic skills and familiarity with route planning tools.
  • Physically able to handle long driving hours, occasional outdoor work (setting up signs/cones), and emergency response situations.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience as a pilot car/escort driver or in heavy-haul trucking.
  • CB radio or two-way radio proficiency.
  • Familiarity with DOT/FMCSA regulations and state-specific oversize permitting rules.

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