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Pilot In Command Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

i3

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Logbook and/or flight records verifying the following flight time minimums: 1,500 hours of pilot in command (PIC) (Required), pilots should have at least 1000 hours in transport category aircraft ...

Integration Innovation, Inc.

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Logbook and/or flight records verifying the following flight time minimums: 1,500 hours of pilot in command (PIC) (Required), pilots should have at least 1000 hours in transport category aircraft ...

Stratolaunch

Sr. Test Pilot

Mojave, CA · On-site

Tasks include planning and flying test flights as Pilot in Command ( PIC ) and Second in Command ( SIC ); supporting ground tests as Test Conductor, Test Director, or Flight Test Engineer; preparing ...

Integration Innovation, Inc.

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Logbook and/or flight records verifying the following flight time minimums: 1,500 hours of pilot in command (PIC) (Required), pilots should have at least 1000 hours in transport category aircraft ...

Stratolaunch

Sr. Test Pilot

Mojave, CA · On-site

Tasks include planning and flying test flights as Pilot in Command (PIC) and Second in Command (SIC); supporting ground tests as Test Conductor, Test Director, or Flight Test Engineer; preparing ...

STS Technical Services

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

First Class FAA Medical Flight Experience Requirements * 2,000 Total Flight Hours * 1,500 Helicopter Flight Hours * 1,000 Hours Pilot in Command Helicopters * 500 Hours Turbine Helicopter Time * 100 ...

Poseidon Aerospace

Pilot

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

As a Pilot at Poseidon Aerospace, you will serve as the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) for our next‑generation autonomous aircraft. Flying is your primary function, you own the aircraft from ...

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Pilot In Command information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do pilot in command jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot in command 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 is the difference between Pilot In Command vs Co-Pilot?

AspectPilot In CommandCo-Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificateCommercial Pilot License (CPL), often with additional type ratings
Work EnvironmentLeads flight operations, makes final decisions, responsible for safetyAssists Pilot In Command, manages navigation and communication tasks
Roles & ResponsibilitiesOverall flight responsibility, decision-making authoritySupports Pilot In Command, shares flying duties

The Pilot In Command holds the primary responsibility for flight safety and decision-making, while the Co-Pilot assists and shares flying duties. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Pilot In Command has ultimate authority and accountability during flights.

What qualifies as a pilot in command time?

Pilot in command (PIC) time refers to the flight time during which a pilot is responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft, including pre-flight planning and decision-making. It is a key requirement for obtaining certain pilot certifications and ratings, and typically includes flights where the pilot holds the appropriate authority and responsibility. PIC time is recorded in logbooks and is essential for career advancement in aviation.

What does it mean to be a pilot in command?

A pilot in command is the primary responsible person for the operation and safety of an aircraft during flight. They hold the highest authority on board, make critical decisions, and ensure compliance with regulations, often requiring specific certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license. The pilot in command oversees crew coordination, navigation, and communication with air traffic control.

What are Pilot In Command responsibilities?

A Pilot In Command (PIC) is the person legally responsible for the operation and safety of an aircraft during flight. The PIC has final authority over all decisions related to the flight, including navigation, communication, and emergency procedures. This role involves pre-flight planning, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and managing the crew and passengers. The PIC must also assess weather conditions, check the aircraft's mechanical status, and coordinate with air traffic control to ensure a safe and efficient flight.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pilot In Command, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pilot In Command, you need advanced aeronautical knowledge, an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, and significant flight hours. Mastery of avionics systems, flight management computers, and navigation tools is standard, along with recurrent simulator training. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are essential for managing crew and ensuring passenger safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safe, efficient flight operations and effective handling of in-flight challenges.

What are some common challenges faced by a Pilot In Command during multi-crew operations?

As a Pilot In Command (PIC) in multi-crew operations, one of the main challenges is effective communication and decision-making under time pressure. The PIC must balance delegating tasks while maintaining overall responsibility for flight safety and compliance with regulations. Managing workload, especially during irregular operations or emergencies, requires strong leadership and trust within the crew. Additionally, adapting to varying personalities and experience levels among crew members is essential to ensure smooth collaboration and safe outcomes.

How much does a pilot in command make?

A pilot in command's salary varies based on experience, aircraft type, and employer, but typically ranges from $80,000 to over $200,000 annually. Airline captains with seniority and extensive flight hours tend to earn higher salaries, often supplemented by benefits and per diem allowances.

What pilots make $500,000 a year?

Pilots in roles such as airline captains for major carriers, especially those flying long-haul international routes with extensive experience and seniority, can earn $500,000 or more annually. High earnings typically require advanced certifications, thousands of flight hours, and seniority within large airline fleets.
What are popular job titles related to Pilot In Command jobs in California? For Pilot In Command jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Pilot In Command jobs near you
Senior/Staff Flight Research Test Pilot

Senior/Staff Flight Research Test Pilot

Joby Aviation

Concord, CA • On-site

$149K - $255K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems across conventional, electric, and hydrogen-electric aircraft in both CTOL and VTOL configurations.


Joby Aviation’s Flight Research team is looking for a Test Pilot to operate research and development crewed and UAS platforms, with the primary focus of the Cessna Caravan program. Drawing on your experience from (ideally) crewed and UAS the role will fulfill pilot command duties during developmental and operational flight testing. Joining a small, fast moving team this position will support the full spectrum of test pilot duties as well as supporting engineering development activities.

Location: Concord, CA with <25% travel, will travel to occasional deployed testing including participation in military exercises.


  • Act both as the airborne and remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms depending on the phase of the program
  • Uphold standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements
  • Uphold a strong safety culture
  • Create test plans, cards, and reports
  • Conduct data analysis
  • Collaborate with other crewmembers in preparation, execution, and post test activities
  • Provide detailed feedback and recommendations for system improvements
  • Play an active role in engineering design activities with a particular emphasis on human interfaces and airspace integration

  • FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • Instrument Airplane rating
  • A second class (or better) medical certificate
  • A minimum of 1500 hours pilot in command (PIC) flight time and 300 hours of turbine time
  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, preferably Engineering
  • At least 8 years of experience in flight test position
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently
  • Willingness to work extended hours
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for business purposes

This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. “US Person” includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.


  • SETP recognized Test Pilot School Graduate
  • FAA certified flight instructor
  • Leadership positions in a flight test organization
  • C-208 experience
  • Experience in highly automated aircraft
  • Experience as an operator/pilot of UAS system(s) 

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $149,000 - $255,000/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.


Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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