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Pilot Training Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pilots will fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers to ensure that quality products and safe ... NASA will provide training and qualification checks for aircrew, including required periodic ...

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA ยท On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Pilots will fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers to ensure that quality products and safe ... NASA will provide training and qualification checks for aircrew, including required periodic ...

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA ยท On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Pilots will fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers to ensure that quality products and safe ... NASA will provide training and qualification checks for aircrew, including required periodic ...

CA ยท On-site

$76K/yr

S. military establishment in assignments that normally would qualify for progression into the position of Wing Operations and Training Officer or its equivalent. AND Must possess a USAF Pilot rating ...

CA

$76K/yr

S. military establishment in assignments that normally would qualify for progression into the position of Wing Operations and Training Officer or its equivalent. AND Must possess a USAF Pilot rating ...

The Corporate pilot will communicate regularly with the Assistant chief pilots, to ensure that all ... High School diploma required, two years college or technical training preferred Preferred ...

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity Missions that matter. $280,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that ... Accountable to maintain required certifications and ongoing training Minimum Requirements * Current ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

Ukiah, CA ยท On-site

$157K - $173K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity Missions that matter. $280,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that ... Accountable to maintain required certifications and ongoing training Minimum Requirements * Current ...

Showing results 21-40

Pilot Training information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do pilot training jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot training 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 pilot training?

Pilot training is the process of learning the skills and knowledge needed to operate aircraft safely and effectively. It typically involves both ground school, where students study subjects like aerodynamics, navigation, and weather, and flight training, where they practice flying with an instructor. The training prepares students to obtain various pilot licenses, starting with a Private Pilot License (PPL) and potentially advancing to Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). The process includes passing written exams, flight tests, and accumulating a minimum number of flight hours. Pilot training is rigorous and ensures that pilots are well-prepared to handle real-world flying situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in pilot training?

To thrive in Pilot Training, you need a solid understanding of aeronautical principles, mathematics, and physics, typically backed by at least a high school diploma and meeting regulatory medical and age requirements. Familiarity with flight simulators, aviation navigation systems, and knowledge of FAA or relevant aviation authority regulations are essential. Strong situational awareness, discipline, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help candidates excel in both solo and team environments. These competencies ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable decision-making in the demanding context of aviation.

What are some common challenges faced during pilot training, and how can trainees effectively overcome them?

During pilot training, trainees often encounter challenges such as mastering complex flight maneuvers, managing workload under pressure, and adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions. Staying organized, maintaining open communication with instructors, and dedicating extra time to simulator practice can help build confidence and proficiency. Seeking feedback and actively participating in study groups also foster a supportive learning environment, making it easier to overcome obstacles and develop strong piloting skills.

What is the difference between Pilot Training vs Flight Instructor?

AspectPilot TrainingFlight Instructor
Required CertificationsPrivate Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), often holds CPL or ATP
Work EnvironmentFlight schools, airlines, charter servicesFlight schools, training academies, individual students
Industry UsageInitial pilot qualification and career progressionTraining new pilots and providing instruction

While Pilot Training focuses on obtaining licenses and skills to become a pilot, Flight Instructors specialize in teaching and certifying new pilots. Both roles require similar certifications initially, but their work environments and career paths differ significantly.

What cities in California are hiring for Pilot Training jobs? Cities in California with the most Pilot Training job openings:
Infographic showing various Pilot Training job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer, Flight Simulator

Joby Aviation

Santa Cruz, CA โ€ข On-site

$194K - $212K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

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.


The successful candidate will play a key role in a small, fast-moving team responsible for the architecture, design, and implementation of a robust, deterministic, and highly scalable flight training simulator. They will work closely with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, data scientists, pilots, and other stakeholders to create and improve one of the highest fidelity training devices.


We are looking for talented engineers with object-oriented programming (OOP) C++ development skills who can design and build a high-fidelity simulator that will help drive the pilot training activities for a one-of-a-kind fully electric aircraft.


Typical expected tasks include the software design, development, and integration efforts pertaining to a wide range of areas, such as the Instructor Operating Station (IOS), After-Action Review (AAR)/debrief station, motion-base, sound, Image Generator (IG), control-loading, and more. We will be integrating many external interfaces from both internal and external third-party suppliers from the ground up, so versatility and an appetite for learning are key!

NOTE: This role does not involve Simulink or MATLAB modeling activities of aircraft devices.


  • University degree in computer science or computer engineering and 7+ yearsโ€™ industry experience. An advanced degree and 5+ yearsโ€™ experience will also be considered.
  • Expert knowledge of object-oriented programming methodology and multi-layered system architectures
  • Expert knowledge of C++
  • Expert knowledge of multi-threaded systems
  • Experience with modern integrated development environments and debuggers
  • Basic understanding of version control technologies
  • Exposure to python

  • A positive attitude and a passion for Aerospace!
  • Willingness to be flexible and learn new technologies
  • Ability to work inside of a team
  • Familiarity with training device qualification through FAA CFR 14 part 60
  • Familiarity with the needs of pilot training programs
  • Familiarity with Moog Inc. motion base technology or similar
  • Familiarity with aircraft sound and communication simulation technology or similar

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $194,000 - $212,000/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