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Pilot Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Guardian Flight

$109K - $119K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days On 7 Days Off Annual ... Valid and unexpired driver's license. * Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate. * 2 ...

Guardian Flight

Fixed Wing Pilot

Bishop, CA · On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days On 7 Days Off Annual ... Valid and unexpired driver's license. * Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate. * 2 ...

Guardian Flight

Fixed Wing Pilot

Mammoth Lakes, CA · On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days On 7 Days Off Annual ... Valid and unexpired driver's license. * Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate. * 2 ...

New

Guardian Flight

Fixed Wing Pilot

Bishop, CA · On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days On 7 Days Off Annual ... Valid and unexpired driver's license. * Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate. * 2 ...

Global Medical Response

Fixed Wing Pilot

Bishop, CA

$109K - $119K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days On 7 Days Off Annual ... Valid and unexpired driver's license. * Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate. * 2 ...

Global Medical Response

Fixed Wing Pilot

Bishop, CA

$109K - $119K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days On 7 Days Off Annual ... Valid and unexpired driver's license. * Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate. * 2 ...

REACH Medical Holdings

Fixed Wing Pilot

Redding, CA · On-site

$113K - $125K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Redding, California Airframe: King Air B200 Schedule: 7 Days On 7 Days ... Valid and unexpired driver's license. * Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate. * 2 ...

Rural Metro Fire Department

Fixed Wing Pilot

Bishop, CA · On-site

$109 - $120/hr

This pilot will be qualified to fly our PC12 aircraft. Scheduled shifts run 7/7 and service day or ... Valid and unexpired driver's license. * Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate. * 2 ...

Kern County

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$93K - $115K/yr

Valid California Motor Vehicle Driver's License AND Option I: Required helicopter flight experience: FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot with Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating. Minimum 2000 hours ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPilot Driver JobsPilot Driver Jobs in California

Pilot Driver information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do pilot driver jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot driver in California is $129,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,700.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a pilot driver do?

A pilot driver operates a car that escorts oversized trucks and other large vehicles. Your duties include driving an automobile in front of or behind the oversized vehicle. As you drive, your responsibilities include communicating with the truck driver to ensure that they are aware of any upcoming situations such as traffic jams, stop lights, or other obstacles. If you drive behind the truck, you ensure that the load remains secure during the trip. An escort vehicle sometimes has a siren or lights that warn other drivers of the presence of an oversized vehicle on the roadway.

Are pilot driver car drivers in demand?

Pilot driver car drivers are in demand in industries such as logistics, transportation, and delivery services, especially with the growth of e-commerce and on-demand delivery platforms. The job often requires a valid driver's license, good driving record, and knowledge of local routes, with demand influenced by regional economic activity and technological advancements in fleet management.

What are some typical challenges a pilot driver might face during an escort job, and how can they be addressed?

Pilot Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating unfamiliar routes, communicating effectively with oversized load drivers, and ensuring public safety on the road. Weather conditions, traffic congestion, and sudden route changes can add complexity to the job. To address these challenges, Pilot Drivers should thoroughly review routes in advance, maintain clear communication with the transport team via radios, and stay updated on local traffic regulations. Staying vigilant, adaptable, and well-prepared helps ensure a smooth and safe escort for all parties involved.

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

To thrive as a Pilot Driver, you need a valid driver's license, excellent driving skills, and a good understanding of road safety regulations. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, CB radios, and sometimes specialized pilot car certification are typically required tools and qualifications. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills. These skills are crucial for safely escorting oversized loads, ensuring compliance with transport regulations, and coordinating effectively with truck drivers and law enforcement.

What is a pilot driver?

Pilot drivers are professionals who operate pilot vehicles, also known as escort vehicles, to guide oversized or heavy-load trucks on public roads. Their main responsibility is to ensure the safe transport of large loads by alerting other road users, managing traffic, and helping the truck driver navigate difficult or narrow areas. Pilot drivers typically travel ahead of or behind the oversized vehicle, communicate via radio, and may use warning signs and lights to increase visibility. They must be knowledgeable about state and local regulations regarding oversized loads and often need specific certifications or permits to perform their job.

What is the difference between Pilot Driver vs Truck Driver?

AspectPilot DriverTruck Driver
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), specialized training for pilot vehiclesCDL, general driving experience
Work EnvironmentEscort vehicles for oversize loads, often on highways or construction sitesLong-haul or local roads, freight transportation
Employer & IndustryConstruction, transportation, logistics companiesFreight carriers, logistics companies

In summary, Pilot Drivers primarily escort oversized loads, requiring specialized training and certifications, while Truck Drivers focus on transporting goods over various distances. Both roles are essential in the transportation industry but differ in work environment and specific credentials.

More about Pilot Driver jobs

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Pilot Driver jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pilot Driver job openings:

Pilot Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Fixed Wing Pilot

Guardian Flight

On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Description:

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today!

 

Position: Fixed Wing Pilot

Location: Bishop, CA

Airframe: Pilatus PC12

Schedule: 7 Days On 7 Days Off

Annual Salary Range: $109,078.39 - $119,986.23

  • 15,000 Sign-On Bonus (Must Complete Training and Check Ride). 
  • 40,000 Retention Bonus (There is a 6 Month Waiting period and This is a 3 Year Program).
  • No Training Contract.
  • Paid Crew Housing.
  • Company Paid ATP-CTP (If not already completed).
  • Up to 3,000 in Relocation Assistance.

We’re hiring a Fixed Wing Pilot to provide medical air transportation services to our customers. This pilot will be qualified to fly our PC12 aircraft. Scheduled shifts run 7/7 and service day or night trips. Safety is a key pillar of our services; therefore, all of our pilots work on a quality, professional team that are committed to high safety standards for the crew and our customers. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Pilot will work with a team of medical experts to safely transport customers to and from locations and facilities. 
  • Ensure aircraft readiness for flight dispatches as described in the appropriate manuals, including all FAR and company requirements, and aircraft cleanliness duties. 
  • Maintain accurate company and regulatory documentation and record keeping for shifts, load manifests, etc.  
  • Effectively communicate and collaborate with both air and ground dispatch, flight crews, facilities and partners. 
  • Provide shift change info to transitioning pilot and team, and follows protocols for recording company change board details. 
  • Pilots are accountable to maintain required certifications and ongoing ground and air training. 
  • Committed to being on-time, reliable, professional and meet our elevated standards in safety and service.  

Minimum Required Qualifications: 

  • Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land (C-ASEL) Required.
  • The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience.
  • Previous medevac and/or cargo experience preferred.  
  • Ability to provide logbooks listing all flight dates and corresponding hours, along with a cumulative total that substantiates the time reported on the resume.
  • Must be willing and able to obtain ATP within 5 years of employment. 
  • Valid and unexpired driver's license. 
  • Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate. 
  • 2,500 Total Flight hours. 
  • 2,000 Fixed Wing hours. 
  • 1,000 PIC hours.
  • 500 Cross Country hours. 
  • 100 Night hours. 
  • 75 Instrument (50 in actual flight) hours.

Preferred Education:

  • Minimum of a High School Diploma, GED equivalent, or higher. 

Working Conditions: 

  • Required to work in outside weather conditions. 
  • Must be able to work night, day, and overnight shifts as assigned.
  • May need to de-ice the plane, assist with towing the aircraft and maneuvering in and out of the hangar, prep the plane for flight. 

Why Choose Guardian Flight? As a leading provider of air medical services, management and experience in the air medical industry, Guardian Flight is one of Global Medical Response’s (GMR) family of solutions. Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services. View the stories on how our employees provide care to the world at www.AtaMomentsNotice.com.  

GMR’s Core Behaviors—keep care at the center, raise your hand, seek to understand, find a way together and be accountable—unite our teams and set us apart in emergency medical services. 

EEO Statement:

Global Medical Response and its family of companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes supporting veterans and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with a disability.

More Information about this Job:

Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more about our benefit options.

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