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Pilot In Command Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

Milwaukee Minimum Requirements * Assist the Pilot- in- Command (PIC) in conducting the flight safely and efficiently * Assist the PIC and/or passenger service personnel as needed to ensure a prompt ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Los Angeles, CA

Milwaukee Minimum Requirements * Assist the Pilot- in- Command (PIC) in conducting the flight safely and efficiently * Assist the PIC and/or passenger service personnel as needed to ensure a prompt ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

San Diego, CA · On-site

Milwaukee Minimum Requirements * Assist the Pilot- in- Command (PIC) in conducting the flight safely and efficiently * Assist the PIC and/or passenger service personnel as needed to ensure a prompt ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

Fresno, CA · On-site

Milwaukee Minimum Requirements * Assist the Pilot- in- Command (PIC) in conducting the flight safely and efficiently * Assist the PIC and/or passenger service personnel as needed to ensure a prompt ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Milwaukee Minimum Requirements * Assist the Pilot- in- Command (PIC) in conducting the flight safely and efficiently * Assist the PIC and/or passenger service personnel as needed to ensure a prompt ...

Driscoll's, Inc.

Corporate Pilot

Watsonville, CA · On-site

... Pilot In Command 500 hours in Jet or Turboprop 200 hours in type - preferred Education: High School diploma required, two years college or technical training preferred Preferred Qualifications ...

Driscoll's, Inc.

Corporate Pilot

Watsonville, CA · On-site

... Pilot In Command • 500 hours in Jet or Turboprop • 200 hours in type - preferred Education: • High School diploma required, two years college or technical training preferred Preferred ...

Ventura County, CA

Sheriff's Helicopter Pilot

Ventura, CA · On-site

$125K - $176K/yr

Incumbents serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) during a full range of helicopter missions, are responsible for the safe overall operation of Ventura County Sheriff's Office aircraft, and have the final ...

i3

ER-2 Research Pilot

Edwards, CA

$170K - $185K/yr

Logbook and/or flight records verifying the following flight time minimums: 1,500 hours of pilot in command (PIC) (Required), pilots preferred to have at least 1000 hours in the U-2 and have been a ...

Navstar

ER-2 Research Pilot

Edwards, CA

$170K - $185K/yr

Logbook and/or flight records verifying the following flight time minimums: 1,500 hours of pilot in command (PIC) (Required), pilots preferred to have at least 1000 hours in the U-2 and have been a ...

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All JobsPilot In Command JobsPilot In Command Jobs in California

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 Jun 17, 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.

Is SIC pilot experience valuable?

SIC (Second in Command) pilot experience is valuable as it provides flight hours, operational experience, and familiarity with cockpit procedures, which are essential for advancing to captain roles. Many airlines and operators consider SIC experience a key step in building the qualifications required for a pilot in command position.

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 per diem and benefits.

What pilots make $500,000 a year?

Pilots in roles such as airline captains for major carriers, especially those with seniority, extensive experience, and flying large aircraft, can earn $500,000 or more annually. High earnings typically come from long-haul international flights, additional pay, and bonuses, often requiring advanced certifications like an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license and many years of experience.
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:
What job categories do people searching Pilot In Command jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Pilot In Command jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Pilot In Command jobs? Cities in California with the most Pilot In Command job openings:
Pilot In Command jobs near you
First Officer Pilot

First Officer Pilot

SkyWest Airlines

Palm Springs, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

SkyWest Airlines rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 26 rated airlines

Job description


Primary Job Duties

To be considered for a pilot position, you must: 

Be at least 21 years of age 
Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings
English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate
Hold a current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
Be a U.S. citizen or able to show proof of right to work in the U.S. 
Hold FCC Radiotelephone Operator's Permit.
Have a current Passport --or other travel documents enabling the bearer to freely exit and re-enter the U.S. (multiple reentry status) and be legally eligible to work in the U.S. (possess proper working documents).
Must be available to work on any day, seven days a week, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Be within three months of the minimum hour requirements detailed below

ATP Written Requirement: 

SkyWest will provide the means to complete a SkyWest-approved CTP course for those who complete an application and successfully pass the pilot interview. 
 

Pilot applicants must meet the experience requirements of FAR 61.159 prior to employment.  

SkyWest Minimum Requirements When Counting Helicopter or Glider Time
SkyWest Airlines recognizes the skills common to helicopter and glider flying. SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a minimum of 250 PIC hours of fixed wing.

Domiciles

Arizona:  Phoenix, Tucson

California:  Fresno, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego, San Francisco

Colorado: Colorado Springs, Denver
Georgia: Atlanta

Idaho: Boise

Illinois: Chicago

Minnesota: Minneapolis/St. Paul

Michigan: Detroit

Oregon: Portland

Texas: Austin, Dallas, Houston

Utah: Salt Lake City

Washington: Seattle

Wisconsin: Milwaukee


Minimum Requirements
  • Assist the Pilot- in- Command (PIC) in conducting the flight safely and efficiently
  • Assist the PIC and/or passenger service personnel as needed to ensure a prompt departure
  • Assist or relieve the PIC in manipulation of the flight controls of an aircraft while underway, including taxiing, takeoff and landing of such aircraft

Physical and Other Requirements
  • Must have a First Class Medical
  • Must be willing to fly assigned schedule based on pilot bidding seniority; including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
  • To apply, please complete the on-line application (qualified applicants will be contacted)
Qualifications:

To be considered for a pilot position, you must: 

Be at least 21 years of age 
Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings
English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE) on Airman Certificate
Hold a current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
Be a U.S. citizen or able to show proof of right to work in the U.S. 
Hold FCC Radiotelephone Operator's Permit.
Have a current Passport --or other travel documents enabling the bearer to freely exit and re-enter the U.S. (multiple reentry status) and be legally eligible to work in the U.S. (possess proper working documents).
Must be available to work on any day, seven days a week, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Be within three months of the minimum hour requirements detailed below

ATP Written Requirement: 

SkyWest will provide the means to complete a SkyWest-approved CTP course for those who complete an application and successfully pass the pilot interview. 
 

Pilot applicants must meet the experience requirements of FAR 61.159 prior to employment.  

SkyWest Minimum Requirements When Counting Helicopter or Glider Time
SkyWest Airlines recognizes the skills common to helicopter and glider flying. SkyWest will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant's total time as long as they have a minimum of 250 PIC hours of fixed wing.

Domiciles

Arizona:  Phoenix, Tucson

California:  Fresno, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego, San Francisco

Colorado: Colorado Springs, Denver
Georgia: Atlanta

Idaho: Boise

Illinois: Chicago

Minnesota: Minneapolis/St. Paul

Michigan: Detroit

Oregon: Portland

Texas: Austin, Dallas, Houston

Utah: Salt Lake City

Washington: Seattle

Wisconsin: Milwaukee

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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