ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Remote Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong understanding of airspace, safety, and operational procedures * Experience in BVLOS, logistics, delivery ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong understanding of airspace, safety, and operational procedures * Experience in BVLOS, logistics, delivery ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

San Diego, CA · Remote

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong understanding of airspace, safety, and operational procedures * Experience in BVLOS, logistics, delivery ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong understanding of airspace, safety, and operational procedures * Experience in BVLOS, logistics, delivery ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong understanding of airspace, safety, and operational procedures * Experience in BVLOS, logistics, delivery ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

San Diego, CA · Remote

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong understanding of airspace, safety, and operational procedures * Experience in BVLOS, logistics, delivery ...

Air Methods

Helicopter Pilot

Adin, CA · On-site +1

$82K - $93K/yr

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPilot JobsRemote Pilot JobsRemote Pilot Jobs in California

Remote Pilot information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do remote pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote pilot 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Pilot, you need strong spatial awareness, technical understanding of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and typically a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA (Part 107 in the U.S.). Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and drone-specific hardware is often required. Excellent situational awareness, communication, and problem-solving skills set outstanding remote pilots apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant drone operations across diverse environments.

What is the difference between Remote Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectRemote PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateOften holds similar certifications, but may not be required to operate commercially
Work EnvironmentTypically responsible for flight planning, safety, and compliance; may oversee multiple dronesPrimarily focuses on operating drones during missions or shoots
Industry UsageUsed across industries like surveying, agriculture, filmmaking, and inspectionCommonly used in filming, photography, and recreational activities

The main difference is that a Remote Pilot holds specific certifications and oversees drone operations, ensuring safety and compliance, while a Drone Operator primarily focuses on flying drones during specific tasks. Both roles are integral in industries utilizing drone technology, but the Remote Pilot often has broader responsibilities and regulatory knowledge.

How do you become a remote pilot?

To become a remote pilot, you need to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the appropriate aviation authority by passing a knowledge test covering regulations, airspace, and safety procedures. You must also be at least 16 years old, pass a background check, and operate drones within the guidelines set for commercial or recreational flying, often using specific remote control equipment and adhering to safety protocols.

What are Remote Pilots?

Remote Pilots, often known as drone pilots, are professionals trained to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from a distance. They are responsible for controlling drones for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, inspections, and delivery services. Remote Pilots must understand flight regulations, safety procedures, and the technical aspects of their equipment. In many countries, they need to obtain specific certifications or licenses to operate drones commercially. This role is increasingly important in industries like agriculture, construction, and emergency response.

How much is Walmart paying drone pilots?

Walmart drone pilots typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the delivery or surveillance tasks. The role often requires a commercial drone license and familiarity with operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in a retail or logistics environment.

What are some common challenges Remote Pilots face when operating drones for commercial purposes?

Remote Pilots often encounter challenges such as maintaining strong situational awareness when flying drones beyond visual line of sight, navigating complex airspace regulations, and ensuring safe operations in changing weather conditions. Additionally, balancing real-time communication with team members, such as visual observers or project managers, is crucial for successful missions. Staying current with technology updates and regulatory changes is also essential for continued success in this fast-evolving field.

How much do remotely piloted aircraft pilots make?

Remotely piloted aircraft pilots, or drone pilots, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and certification level. Experienced pilots working in sectors like film, agriculture, or security may earn higher salaries, especially with specialized skills and FAA certifications.

What Is a Remote Pilot?

A remote pilot controls an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). As a remote pilot, your duties include flying and maintaining a drone and its systems, as well as remaining up-to-date on all FAA regulations regarding UAVs. To become a remote pilot, you must be at least 16 years old, be physically capable of handling a drone, and pass an FAA certification exam to demonstrate your knowledge and ability to manage the risks of flight. Career pilots must also be certified to handle unmanned aerial vehicles.

What does a remote pilot do?

A remote pilot operates unmanned aircraft systems (drones) for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, or inspection. They are responsible for controlling the drone, following safety regulations, and ensuring proper operation, often requiring certification and knowledge of airspace rules.
More about Remote Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in California? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Remote Pilot jobs in California? For Remote Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Pilot jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Pilot jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Remote Pilot jobs? Cities in California with the most Remote Pilot job openings:
Remote Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Pilot job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.
Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Joby Aviation

Concord, CA • Remote

$121K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 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 remote pilot to operate our research and development aircraft with the Flight Test team. This role will primarily be a remote pilot of our Superpilot equipped Cessna Caravans. Drawing on past experience operating aircraft manned aircraft or Group 5 UAS in the national airspace, the role will fulfill pilot command duties in support of flight test operations in the National Airspace System. Additionally, the applicant will be responsible for the continued development and implementation of standard operating procedures to support the evolving project. Joining a small, fast moving team this position will support additional responsibilities and tasks such as hands on work with the aircraft and ground support equipment, upholding strong safety culture, and support pre and post test activities with engineers.


  • Serve as the remote pilot in command (RPIC) for various R&D aircraft platforms, both in solo operational roles and as part of a multi-person crew during test operations.
  • Execute comprehensive preflight planning and system inspections.
  • Contribute to test planning and participate in mission rehearsals.
  • Generate detailed post-flight reports for internal stakeholders and external partners.
  • Lead crew members through all phases of test preparation, execution, and post-test analysis.

  • Current Class 2 medical
  • STEM bachelor’s degree or a nontechnical bachelor’s with experience in engineering flight tests of air vehicles larger than 1000 lb
  • For candidates with more than 100 hr piloting Group 3+ UAS
    • Must hold a Part 61 pilot certificate (Private or better) Airplane SE or ME Land, and an instrument rating, and
    • Logged at least 300 hr of flight time, and an a combined UAS Pilot+ logged flight time greater than 500 hr
  • For candidates with less than 100 hr piloting Group 3+ UAS
    • Must hold a Part 61 Commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating, or ATP, and logged more than 700 hrs
  • Be able to articulate why you are uniquely qualified to make the transition large UAS with highly complex systems in a dynamic environment
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required, which is expected between 10-25% of time
    Read and speak English proficiently

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.


  • Previous support of new aircraft or systems development, ideally in an operations capacity
  • Acceptance testing experience
  • Experience with flight test engineering
  • Development standard operating procedures
  • Experience with systems engineering
  • A&P or similar experience
  • Experience in aircraft, ground station, and/or subsystem design and build

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $121,500 - $206,100/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.

Apply