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Pilot Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Metrea Management LLC

KC-135 Pilot

Temecula, CA · On-site

Position Summary Metrea is actively recruiting current and qualified Contract KC-135 Pilots-in ... Valid Driver's License Additional Eligibility Qualifications * Willingness to deploy on short ...

Pilot Company

Retail Merchandiser

North Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$21.41 - $31.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

As the largest travel center network and leading supplier of fuel, being part of the Pilot Flying J family means you are essential to keeping North America's drivers moving. What makes our travel ...

Pilot Company

Retail Merchandiser

North Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$21.41 - $31.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

As the largest travel center network and leading supplier of fuel, being part of the Pilot Flying J family means you are essential to keeping North America's drivers moving. What makes our travel ...

Pilot Company

Retail Merchandiser

North Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$21.41 - $31.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

As the largest travel center network and leading supplier of fuel, being part of the Pilot Flying J family means you are essential to keeping North America's drivers moving. What makes our travel ...

Latham Pool Products, Inc

CDL Driver

Williams, CA

$33.90 - $35.06/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Capability to work with pilot drivers when transporting an oversize load. * Good knowledge of roads. * Ability to read customer orders and follow safety regulations. * Must be able to regularly sit ...

Latham Pool Products, Inc

CDL Driver

Williams, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Capability to work with pilot drivers when transporting an oversize load. * Good knowledge of roads. * Ability to read customer orders and follow safety regulations. * Must be able to regularly sit ...

Pilot Flying J

Retail Merchandiser

North Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$21.41 - $31.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

As the largest travel center network and leading supplier of fuel, being part of the Pilot Flying J family means you are essential to keeping North America's drivers moving. What makes our travel ...

Pilot Company

Cashier

Ripon, CA · On-site

$20 - $23.78/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pilot Company offers a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. Team members have the ... driver stopping for a clean shower, the commuter grabbing their morning coffee, or the vacationer ...

Pilot Company

Cashier

Orland, CA · On-site

$20 - $23.78/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pilot Company offers a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. Team members have the ... driver stopping for a clean shower, the commuter grabbing their morning coffee, or the vacationer ...

Pilot Company

Cashier

Lebec, CA

$20 - $23.78/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pilot Company offers a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. Team members have the ... driver stopping for a clean shower, the commuter grabbing their morning coffee, or the vacationer ...

Pilot Company

Cashier

Lebec, CA · On-site

$20 - $23.78/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pilot Company offers a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. Team members have the ... driver stopping for a clean shower, the commuter grabbing their morning coffee, or the vacationer ...

Pilot Company

Cashier

Salinas, CA · On-site

$20 - $23.78/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pilot Company offers a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. Team members have the ... driver stopping for a clean shower, the commuter grabbing their morning coffee, or the vacationer ...

Pilot Company

Cashier

Orland, CA · On-site

$20 - $23.78/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pilot Company offers a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. Team members have the ... driver stopping for a clean shower, the commuter grabbing their morning coffee, or the vacationer ...

Pilot Company

Cashier

Weed, CA · On-site

$20 - $23.78/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pilot Company offers a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. Team members have the ... driver stopping for a clean shower, the commuter grabbing their morning coffee, or the vacationer ...

Pilot Company

Cashier

Orland, CA · On-site

$20 - $23.78/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pilot Company offers a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. Team members have the ... driver stopping for a clean shower, the commuter grabbing their morning coffee, or the vacationer ...

Pilot Company

Cashier

Salinas, CA · On-site

$20 - $23.78/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pilot Company offers a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. Team members have the ... driver stopping for a clean shower, the commuter grabbing their morning coffee, or the vacationer ...

Pilot Company

Deli Production Team Member

Tehachapi, CA · On-site

$20.18 - $25.88/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pilot Company offers a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. Team members have the ... driver stopping for a clean shower, the commuter grabbing their morning coffee, or the vacationer ...

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Showing results 41-60

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

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

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.

KC-135 Pilot

Metrea Management LLC

Temecula, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

Metrea is a defense company dedicated to translating commercial innovation into solutions for the hardest problems in national security. With deep mission expertise, Metrea focuses on delivering effects-as-a-service across Aerospace, Electromagnetic & Cyber, Digital & Synthetic domains via its capability groups. Metrea also consists of six support groups (Operations, People, Finance, Legal, Strategy and Solutions) that guide the development of specific capabilities that Metrea's files (product, projects, programs etc.) leverage to achieve their targets.

Group Overview

Air Mobility Group (AIRMOB) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea’s aerial refueling (AAR) capabilities, ensuring the readiness and operational effectiveness of the tanker fleet. AIRMOB oversees fleet management, maintenance, and airworthiness, working to sustain and enhance refueling operations. It manages the integration of new processes and technologies, ensuring that tanker aircraft remain mission-ready through effective logistics, maintenance oversight, and regulatory compliance. By coordinating across various teams, AIRMOB ensures the fleet meets both current and future operational needs, supporting a range of specialized air mobility missions.

Position Summary

Metrea is actively recruiting current and qualified Contract KC-135 Pilots-in-Command (PIC’s) and Second in Command (SIC’s) to execute high tempo, precision driven air to air refueling missions aboard our KC/C-135 fleet. This is not just another contract; it’s a chance to lead strategic operations that shape global airpower. If you’re ready to fuel the fight, lead from the front, and fly with purpose this may be your next mission!

Contract Highlights:

  • Flexible short- and long-term deployments supporting U.S. and allied forces are available and extended rotations of 45–90 days, delivering critical refueling support in a high-demand regional environments in India.
  • Competitive daily rates and mission incentives.
  • All travel, lodging, and mission logistics covered.
  • Flexible scheduling and rotation options.
  • Work alongside elite crews in high-impact missions that shape global readiness.

Role and Responsibilities

  • Command flight crew while responding to a variety of emergency and non-emergency scenarios.
  • Conduct procedurally correct and expeditious pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight inspections, checklists, and documentation.
  • Maintain Situational Awareness (SA) and use Crew Resource Management (CRM) throughout all phases of flight.
  • Adhere to company Flight Operation Procedures (FOPs), Ground Operation Procedures (GOPs), FAA regulations, and Safety Notices.
  • Maintain all currencies, qualifications, and advanced systems knowledge related to the KC/C-135 tanker fleet.
  • All other duties assigned

Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree required

Experience:

  • 400 hours of flight time in KC-135 / C-135FR Aircraft
  • 1000 total hours
  • Aircraft MPRS experience desired
  • US Air Force Instrument/Qualification, KC/C-135 Aircraft Commander check-ride in the 12 months-cannot expire while deployed
  • KC/C-135R IP/EP experience preferred
  • Ability and availability to fly onboard KC/C-135FR aircraft in India

Skills:

  • Must have good command of the English language; oral and written.

Computer Skills:

  • Basic skills in Microsoft Office Suite Programs
  • IOS operating systems to include Ipads/EFB

Certificates:

  • Minimum of FAA Flying Class 2 Physical
  • FCC Radiotelegraph Operators Permit
  • Current ATP or Restricted ATP preferred
  • Current MEI preferred
  • CFII certificate preferred
  • B-707 Type rating
  • Current US/French Passport-Passport must have 1 year of validity at start of contract
  • Valid Driver’s License

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

  • Willingness to deploy on short notice and adapt to varying mission lengths and locations.

Our Firmware

Metrea’s single core value, “rooted in humility,” is supported by four key attributes: entrepreneurial, systematic, discerning, and over-deliver. These attributes, combined, form our Teammate Firmware, our culture. We explore these attributes during the hiring process when we grow our teams and continually support the growth of our culture. We are a hyper-collaborative, dynamically hierarchical organization united by a passion for what we do, how we do it, who we do it with, and who we do it for.

Work Authorization / Security Clearance

The employee must be a US citizen.

The employee must be able to hold and maintain a Secret (or higher) Clearance Level.


AAP/EEO Statement

Metrea Strategic Mobility is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Position Types and Work
Options:

  • Short-Term: CONUS and OCONUS rotations ranging from days to weeks.
  • Long-Term: Extended deployments of 45–90 days in India, supporting high-tempo regional operations.
  • There are flexible short- and long-term deployments supporting U.S. and allied forces available and extended rotations of 45–90 days or more.

Work Location
Remote

Work Environment
This job operates inside a KC/C-135 aircraft

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