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Retired Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CA · On-site

$76K/yr

Retired military are usually ineligible for membership in the AF Reserve. Retired military that ... AFR Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC): Email: hqafrc.a3rb.pilotconciergecell@us.af.mil Global: A3 ...

CA

$76K/yr

Retired military are usually ineligible for membership in the AF Reserve. Retired military that ... AFR Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC): Email: hqafrc.a3rb.pilotconciergecell@us.af.mil Global: A3 ...

Retired Pilot information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do retired pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for retired 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 does a retired pilot do after leaving aviation?

A retired pilot may pursue various activities, such as consulting, flight instruction, aviation safety roles, or completely new career paths. Some pilots work as mentors for aspiring aviators, while others engage in writing, speaking engagements, or teaching. Many retired pilots also focus on personal hobbies, travel, or spending time with family.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a retired pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Retired Pilot exploring post-retirement roles, it’s important to have extensive flight experience, advanced aviation knowledge, and a background in safety protocols, generally acquired through an airline transport pilot (ATP) license and ongoing certifications. Familiarity with flight simulators, instructional tools, and aviation regulatory systems is often utilized in post-retirement consulting, training, or mentoring roles. Strong communication, professionalism, and leadership skills help retired pilots effectively share expertise and collaborate within aviation communities. These skills are crucial for ensuring credibility, safety, and positive influence in any post-retirement aviation-related position.

How much do retired pilots make?

Retired pilots' earnings vary based on their experience, airline, and years of service, but many receive pension benefits and retirement packages that can provide substantial income. Typically, commercial airline pilots who retire after long careers may receive annual pensions ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000, depending on their salary history and retirement plan. Some retired pilots also earn income through consulting or part-time flying.

What types of post-retirement opportunities are available for retired pilots?

Retired pilots have a variety of flexible career options, including becoming flight instructors, safety consultants, aviation mentors, or participating in regulatory advisory positions. Many choose to work with flight schools, airlines, or government agencies, sharing their extensive experience and knowledge. Opportunities can be part-time, contract-based, or project-oriented, allowing for a customizable work-life balance. Retired pilots often find their expertise is highly valued in both training new pilots and improving aviation safety standards.

At what age do most retired pilots retire?

Most retired pilots retire between the ages of 60 and 65, often due to airline retirement policies and mandatory retirement age regulations. Many pilots continue flying into their late 60s or early 70s if they meet health and certification requirements.

What jobs can retired pilots do after retirement?

Retired pilots can pursue careers such as flight instructors, airline safety consultants, or aviation trainers, utilizing their extensive flying experience and knowledge of aircraft operations. They may also work in aviation management, aircraft sales, or as corporate pilots, often requiring relevant certifications and familiarity with aviation regulations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Retired Pilot jobs in California?

The most popular types of Retired Pilot jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Retired Pilot jobs in California?

For Retired Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Retired Pilot jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Retired Pilot jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Retired Pilot jobs?

Cities in California with the most Retired Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Retired Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot

US Department of the Air Force

Beale Air Force Base, CA

$76K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Your application will remain active through the open period of this Public Notice. Once this Public Notice closes, you must reapply.
Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.

Positions may be filled as permanent or term with a full-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location, please click here to review pay tables.Qualifications:QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot):
Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 750 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-13 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot):
Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,000 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-13 (Flight Instructor):
Applicant must possess two years of progressively responsible experience in a flying component of the U.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, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,200 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-14 (Flight Instructor):
Applicant must possess three years of progressively responsible experience in a flying component of the U.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, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,500 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
NOTE: Pilot hours as described above may include (Primary, Secondary, Instructor, Evaluator, Stimulator, Student and other US Military and Foreign Military Time) in mission design series of organization of position being filled. You must submit an ATAFR-209 Form, Flying History Report or any official document what shows your most recent flight (last date actively flown), total flight hours and type of aircraft flown. FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING.
These are Air Reserve Technician (ART) positions. ARTs are eligible for 15 days active duty tour each year for which military leave is granted with full civilian pay. Air Reserve units and members; are subject to immediate call to active duty in mobilization to meet a national emergency. For additional information regarding ART positions and/or military qualifications, please call 1-800-257-1212. Retired military are usually ineligible for membership in the AF Reserve. Retired military that have active AF Reserve assignments may apply provided they show assignment (position) on the application.
A military service member's statement of service/certification will be accepted IF a terminal leave form or DD214 cannot be provided. The statement/certification should indicate member's separation from active duty is within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate when your terminal leave will begin, your rank, dates of active duty service, the type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable). Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if member is on terminal leave.
Individuals selected for ART positions must meet both civilian qualifications and uniformed military requirements. In addition to meeting civilian qualifications, applicants must obtain military membership in the Air Force Reserve, wear the uniform, maintain job-specific military specialty requirements, and meet other military qualifications such as age, height, weight, and physical fitness standards. For more information click here and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
AFR Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC):
Email: hqafrc.a3rb.pilotconciergecell@us.af.mil
Global: A3/ReservePCC
Teams Page: Reserve PCC
Teams Chat: @ReservePCC
Sharepoint: https://www.milrecruiter.com/afrc-pcc/
Phone: (478) 327-1546
Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER