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Pilot Car Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Atlas Energy Solutions

Heavy Haul Coordinators

Kermit, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Ability to obtain a certification to become a pilot car driver * Complete route surveys * Assist with rigging up and down of all frac sand equipment * Complete any other task as requested including ...

S&L Industrial

TC Flagger - Riverton, WY

Riverton, WY

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Operate Pilot Car when needed * Operate and assist with maintenance of trucks and striping ... Class A or B CDL preferred * Strong work ethic and reliable attendance * Ability to work ...

S&L Industrial

TC Flagger - Sheridan, WY

Sheridan, WY · On-site

$22/hr

Operate Pilot Car when needed * Operate and assist with maintenance of trucks and striping ... Class A or B CDL preferred * Strong work ethic and reliable attendance * Ability to work ...

S&L Industrial

TC Flagger - Laramie, WY

Laramie, WY · On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

Operate Pilot Car when needed * Operate and assist with maintenance of trucks and striping ... Class A or B CDL preferred * Strong work ethic and reliable attendance * Ability to work ...

S&L Industrial

TC Flagger - Rawlins, WY

Rawlins, WY · On-site

$22/hr

Operate Pilot Car when needed * Operate and assist with maintenance of trucks and striping ... Class A or B CDL preferred * Strong work ethic and reliable attendance * Ability to work ...

S&L Industrial

TC Flagger - Riverton, WY

Riverton, WY · On-site

$22/hr

Operate Pilot Car when needed * Operate and assist with maintenance of trucks and striping ... Class A or B CDL preferred * Strong work ethic and reliable attendance * Ability to work ...

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All JobsPilot Car Driver Jobs

Pilot Car Driver information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do pilot car driver jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot car driver in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 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
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Pilot Car Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Car Driver job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 61% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Dispatcher - Internal

Dispatcher - Internal

Butler Machinery Company

Fargo, ND • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Do you thrive on coordination, communication, and keeping operations running smoothly? Butler Machinery is looking for an Internal Dispatcher to support our transportation team by planning, assigning, and coordinating equipment movement across our network. This role plays a key part in maximizing fleet utilization and ensuring timely, accurate deliveries to support our customers and internal teams.
What You’ll Do
As the Internal Dispatcher, you’ll plan, direct, and coordinate internal transportation activities to keep operations running efficiently. Key responsibilities include:

  • Assigning daily and weekly load volumes to company transportation assets
  • Dispatching loads to company trucks with accurate delivery and rating details
  • Routing loads, obtaining permits, and communicating instructions and updates to drivers
  • Providing freight quotes to support internal sales and service teams
  • Maintaining accurate freight rates in the iQuote system
  • Processing damage claims by gathering documentation and coordinating resolution
  • Monitoring equipment performance to ensure transportation assets are operating efficiently
  • Tracking and indexing machine movements in company systems for visibility across teams
  • Occasionally assisting with transport routes, including driving a pilot car when needed

What We’re Looking For:

Required Qualifications

  • Experience in the trucking or transportation industry
  • Strong working knowledge of DOT regulations, load securement, HOS, and permitting
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company insurability requirements
  • Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and dispatch-related systems

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field or equivalent experience
  • Pilot Car Driver Certification
  • Knowledge of equipment dimensions, weights, and truck/trailer configurations

As a family business for three generations, we currently employ over 900 associates in 20 locations throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Nebraska. We are looking for self-motivated, forward-thinking individuals to join us in our continued success. If you desire to start your career with our team, here are some things we offer within our full benefits package:

  • 10% Annual Retirement Employer Contribution, with an Additional 5% Discretionary Employer Contribution
  • Health Insurance – 3 plan options
  • Health Savings Account – Employer contribution up to $1,300/year
  • Dependent Care Flex Spending Account
  • Dental Insurance – 2 plan options
  • Vision Insurance
  • Basic Life/AD&D and Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Employer-paid Short-Term Disability Coverage – 60% of base pay/salary
  • Long-Term Disability Coverage
  • Maternity / Paternity Benefits
  • Holidays
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 401(K) Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – including Health Coaching
  • SmartDollar – employer-paid financial planning program
  • Legal Shield/ID Shield products
  • Voluntary Benefit options - Cancer Insurance/Accident/Hospitalization

EOE/Vet/Disability

#LI-Onsite