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Pilot Car Driver Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

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Pilot Car Driver information

See Missouri salary details

$46.4K

$122.8K

$188.5K

How much do pilot car driver jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot car driver in Missouri is $122,800.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,800.00 and $145,400.00 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 Missouri?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pilot Car Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Car Driver job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,800 per year, or $59 per hour.

Road Crew Laborer - Chilicothe

Kansas City, MO • On-site

Vance Brothers, Inc.
Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Vance Brothers, Inc.external

$17 - $19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description
We are Pavement Preservation Group (PPG), a dynamic and growing pavement preservation company. Our brand, Vance Brothers, has been a trusted name in the industry for over 100 years, providing high-quality asphalt products and expert construction services to customers across the Midwest. As a leading division of PPG, we specialize in manufacturing, testing, and applying Asphalt Emulsions, Sealers, Joint/Crack Seals, Fog Seals, Micro/Slurry Seals, Chip Seals, and more. Join Vance Brothers (PPG) and help us pave the way for another 100 years of success and innovation.
We are looking for hardworking and dependable individuals to join our Chillicothe, MO road preservation team. This role involves preparing roads for resurfacing, ensuring traffic control measures are in place, and assisting in various construction-related tasks. The position requires frequent travel, outdoor work, and physical labor to support road maintenance and improvement projects.
Requirements
Desired Competencies
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety procedures.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Good communication skills for interacting with coworkers and the public.
  • Adaptability to changing work environments and schedules.
  • Strong work ethic and willingness to perform physical labor.

Essential Job Functions
  • Prepare roads for resurfacing by weed whacking, using a blower, shovel, or rake.
  • Distribute door hangers to notify the public of upcoming construction work.
  • Assist in setting up, moving, and dismantling signs, barricades, cones, and other traffic control devices.
  • Act as a flagger, stopping and directing traffic in construction zones as needed.
  • Operate a pilot car to lead traffic through one-way zones when required.
  • Perform various tasks in residential, main road, and highway road preservation projects.
  • Transport street sweeping vehicles and other equipment between worksites (for qualified drivers only).

Qualifications And Education Requirements
  • Must be able to travel as needed to job sites in Missouri, Kansas, and neighboring states.
  • Willingness to stay overnight for up to a week at a time, occasionally up to two weeks.
  • Valid Class E license (MO) or Class C license (KS)
  • Must pass an MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) Driving Record check.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
  • Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.
  • Capable of handling equipment such as blowers, shovels, rakes, and weed whackers.
  • Ability to remain alert and responsive while managing traffic control duties.

****DISCLAIMER****
This job description does not contain a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities or activities that are required of the position. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as needed at any time with or without notice.

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