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Pilot Car Driver Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Pilot Car Driver information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$48.1K

$127.3K

$195.4K

How much do pilot car driver jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot car driver in Raleigh, NC is $127,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $150,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Are pilot car drivers in demand?

Pilot car drivers are in steady demand in industries such as construction, transportation, and oversize load escorting. Employment opportunities depend on regional infrastructure projects and the volume of heavy haul transportation, often requiring specific certifications and experience. The job typically involves working outdoors and coordinating with law enforcement and trucking companies.

What are Pilot Car Drivers?

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.

How to get into being a pilot car driver?

To become a pilot car driver, you typically need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and sometimes a special permit or certification depending on local regulations. Experience driving large vehicles and knowledge of safety protocols are important, and some employers may require completion of a training program or certification in escorting oversize loads.

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 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 insurance, safety equipment, and training courses, but overall, the initial investment is relatively modest compared to other transportation roles.

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 endorsements can increase earning potential, especially for drivers working on long or hazardous loads.
More about Pilot Car Driver jobs
What are popular job titles related to Pilot Car Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Pilot Car Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pilot Car Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Pilot Car Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Pilot Car Driver jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Pilot Car Driver job openings:
Pilot Car Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Car Driver job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $127,254 per year, or $61.2 per hour.
Truck Driver Company - 6mo EXP Required - OTR - $1.5k - $2.1k per week - Anderson Trucking Service

Truck Driver Company - 6mo EXP Required - OTR - $1.5k - $2.1k per week - Anderson Trucking Service

Anderson Trucking Service

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$1.4K - $2.1K/wk

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Anderson Trucking Service rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Now Hiring Flatbed Drivers | $1,400-$2,100+ Weekly!.

Many OTR flatbed truck drivers want to grow their careers by hauling bigger and heavier freight, but they tell us their current carrier doesn't provide a path to get there.

You work too hard to get stuck in a rut of hauling freight that doesn't excite you. Let Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) help you reach your goals. Want to haul over-dimensional and heavy haul freight? Learn how to tie down the loads properly, how to work with pilot car and police escorts and all the other things it takes to become a heavy haul truck driver. Apply Now!

Pay:

  • $1,400/Week Minimum Guarantee for the first 12 Weeks
  • Top 50% earn gross $1,600+
  • Top 20% earn gross $2,100+
  • ATS has specialized in flatbed freight for the last 70+ years
  • Guaranteed minimum backup pay of 60-65 CPM, make whichever is higher between % and CPM
  • Majority is Direct Customer - very few load board/broker loads
  • $1,000 sign on bonus
  • Trucks can be taken home
  • Home Every 14-21 days
  • Per diem at no cost to the driver
  • Increased tarping pay
  • 50 percent over-dimensional pay
  • Consistent miles

Equipment:

  • Newer equipment
  • Options to grow your career by hauling bigger freight
  • ELDs in EVERY TRUCK since 2009
  • APUs and inverters in EVERY company driver truck
  • Refrigerators can be added upon request

Benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)/profit-sharing plan
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee assistance program
  • PET POLICY: One cat or dog is allowed in the truck (ask driver consultant for details)
  • Flights, car rentals, single rooms and all meals at orientation covered (spouses are welcome!)

Company Driver Requirements:

  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Valid Class A CDL driver’s license- Must have at least twelve months verifiable OTR experience
  • Must meet DOT requirements
  • Must have a stable, verifiable work history and acceptable driving record (No more than 5 jobs in the past 3 years and 3 in the past year)


What Anderson Trucking Service employees say

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