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

All JobsPilot Car Driver JobsPilot Car Driver Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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 Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot car driver in Raleigh, NC is $127,261.00, 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $127,261 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

HVAC Lead Installer

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Durham, NC

Durham, NC • On-site

$1.2K - $1.8K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Company car
  • Company parties
  • Competitive salary
  • Employee discounts
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development

A Master Builder Like You

Become part of a family.
I’ll pay you a percentage of every job you do.
If you’re good, you’ll easily make $80K - $100K/yr

Health insurance, a retirement plan with matched contributions,
Paid vacation and holidays,
Sundays off, ‘cause everyone should have time to rest,
I want you to enjoy life.
Spend time with your family.
I’ll even help you get any tools you need,
But I want you to own them, take pride in them.
After all, good tools are your lifelong friend.
You’ve probably never heard of me.
I’m Bobby Ferrel, owner of Green Horizon One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning
We’re not the biggest company in Raleigh-Durham,
But we’re growing, and about to grow even more
If you want a real career,
A chance to be appreciated,
To lead,
To be part of the family of excellence we’re building,
We need to talk.
I was an F-16 pilot before I got into making homes better.
I understand how important artistic master technicians are to making an organization fly
We don’t want to just get off the ground,
We want to hit Mach 3.
I know you can help us soar.
Absolute Requirements

A positive, get it done attitude
Clean driving record - we check
Clean criminal record - we check
Honesty
Able to be part of a team
Humility and ability to learn quickly
Real skill with tools and sheet metal
Every day you’ll have a new assignment at a home that needs something installed.
By evening, you’ll have completed the job and be on your way home to your family.
Accomplishment and satisfaction will be your daily routine.
Yep, there will be sweat,
And dirt,
And some hard work,
Occasional Saturday jobs,
Fellow master builder artists to teach your skills.
Man, this is great work that makes a lot of people smile.
Are you with me?
Feel like blasting off to uncharted job satisfaction?
Send me what I’ve asked for.
Let’s talk and get busy making families’ lives better,
Bobby.
Job Types: Part-time, Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability
Supplemental Pay:
  • Bonus pay
  • Commission pay
  • Tips
Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
  • HVAC: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
  • Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: Multiple locations