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Pilot In Command Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

East Garrison, CA · On-site

$187.40 - $250/hr

A minimum of 1,000 hours pilot in command flight time * Excellent interpersonal skills * Ability to work extended hours and travel as required * Read and speak English proficiently Desired * Both ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

A minimum of 1,000 hours pilot in command flight time * Excellent interpersonal skills * Ability to work extended hours and travel as required * Read and speak English proficiently Desired * Both ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

A minimum of 1,000 hours pilot in command flight time * Excellent interpersonal skills * Ability to work extended hours and travel as required * Read and speak English proficiently * Both fixed wing ...

Anduril Industries

Test Pilot

San Clemente, CA

Perform duties as Pilot in Command during flight operations and manage the responsibilities associated with that position. * Cross communicate with multiple teams, internal and external to Anduril ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

A minimum of 1,000 hours pilot in command flight time * Excellent interpersonal skills * Ability to work extended hours and travel as required * Read and speak English proficiently Desired * Both ...

SkyWest Airlines

First Officer Pilot

San Diego, 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

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

Fresno, 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

Los Angeles, 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

... 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 ...

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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:
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
Test Pilot

Test Pilot

Joby Aviation

East Garrison, CA • On-site

$187.40 - $250/hr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview

Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven test pilot to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes planning and flight testing experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft and supporting all certification flight test related activities. Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt core flight test principles to a radically new aviation environment. VSTOL, DER or AR qualification is desired.

Responsibilities
  • Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV and inhabited flight test), chase pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting
  • Perform simulator testing, development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes
  • Contribute to flight readiness reviews, test safety reviews, and other flight test admin activities
  • Perform flight test engineering duties, including test card preparation, test direction, and other control room responsibilities
  • Perform miscellaneous engineering duties as tasked
  • Complete all required documentation in accordance with established company and FAA procedures
  • Observe all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company
  • Expected to work safely by established operating procedures and practices
  • Other duties as assigned or required
Required
  • Long course graduate of recognized test pilot school or, exceptionally, equivalent on-the-job training
  • At least 3 years additional flight test experience post training, with at least 50 hours experimental or certification flight test experience as test pilot
  • Bachelor's of Science degree or equivalent experience and training
  • Fixed Wing and / or Rotorcraft Commercial Certificate
  • A minimum of 1,000 hours pilot in command flight time
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently
Desired
  • Both fixed wing and rotary wing flight test experience, with principal experience in fixed wing
  • AV-8 or F-35B experience and/or V-22 experience
  • FAA certification flight test experience
  • Flight instructional experience
  • Test pilot school instructional experience
  • Experience with all-electric aircraft
  • Flight test DER or AR
Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $187,400 - $250,000/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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