ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Salaried Traffic Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

Fremont, CA · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

The RPO plays the role of the pilot and other controllers in the Air Traffic Controller training ... The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience ...

New

Parish Transport

Pilot Car Escort

Ellisville, MS · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Competitive salary ($75,000 - $90,000 annually) based on experience + per diem when away from ... Traffic Control: Implement traffic control measures as necessary, including the use of flags, signs ...

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

The RPO plays the role of the pilot and other controllers in the Air Traffic Controller training ... The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience ...

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

The RPO plays the role of the pilot and other controllers in the Air Traffic Controller training ... The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience ...

SAIC

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

Fremont, CA · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

The RPO plays the role of the pilot and other controllers in the Air Traffic Controller training ... The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience ...

New

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

The RPO plays the role of the pilot and other controllers in the Air Traffic Controller training ... The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience ...

SAIC

ZNY Remote Pilot Operator

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

The RPO plays the role of the pilot and other controllers in the Air Traffic Controller training ... The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience ...

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

The RPO plays the role of the pilot and other controllers in the Air Traffic Controller training ... The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience ...

Parish Transport LLC

Pilot Car Escort

Ellisville, MS · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Competitive salary ($75,000 - $90,000 annually) based on experience + per diem when away from ... Traffic Control: Implement traffic control measures as necessary, including the use of flags, signs ...

State of Arkansas

PILOT

Malvern, AR · On-site

$114K - $169K/yr

N/A Anticipated Starting Salary: $57,351 Department of Agriculture As the largest industry in ... Maintain constant communication with air traffic control, co-pilots, and crew members to coordinate ...

Parish Transport LLC

Pilot Car Escort

Ellisville, MS · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Competitive salary ($75,000 - $90,000 annually) based on experience + per diem when away from ... Traffic Control: Implement traffic control measures as necessary, including the use of flags, signs ...

SAIC

ZNY Remote Pilot Operator

Ronkonkoma, NY · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

The RPO plays the role of the pilot and other controllers in the Air Traffic Controller training ... The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience ...

Mission Support and Test Services, LLC

Pilot I

NV · On-site

MSTS offers our full-time employees highly competitive salaries and benefits packages including ... Air Traffic Communication: Maintain continuous contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC) to manage ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsConstruction JobsHighway JobsSalaried Traffic Pilot Jobs

Salaried Traffic Pilot information

See salary details

$22.5K

$60.2K

$109.5K

How much do salaried traffic pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for salaried traffic pilot in the United States is $60,162.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a salaried traffic pilot?

A Salaried Traffic Pilot is a professional pilot employed by a company, usually a news or broadcast organization, to fly aircraft specifically for the purpose of monitoring and reporting on traffic conditions. These pilots typically operate small planes or helicopters over urban areas during peak traffic hours, relaying live updates to radio or television audiences. Unlike freelance pilots, salaried traffic pilots are regular employees who receive a consistent paycheck and benefits. Their responsibilities may also include coordinating with traffic reporters, maintaining flight logs, and ensuring the safety and maintenance of their aircraft.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a salaried traffic pilot?

To thrive as a Salaried Traffic Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong navigation abilities, and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations. Familiarity with radio communication equipment, GPS navigation systems, and weather tracking tools is essential. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and clear communication with air traffic control and news teams are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure safe flight operations, accurate traffic reporting, and timely dissemination of important information to the public.

What are some common challenges faced by salaried traffic pilots, and how can they be addressed?

Salaried traffic pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, tight broadcast schedules, and the need to coordinate closely with both air traffic control and newsroom teams. To handle these demands, pilots must maintain strong situational awareness, adapt quickly to dynamic scenarios, and communicate effectively with both ground and air personnel. Building solid routines for pre-flight planning and ongoing training in both aviation and broadcast protocols can help traffic pilots navigate these challenges and deliver accurate, timely reports.

What is the difference between Salaried Traffic Pilot vs Traffic Coordinator?

AspectSalaried Traffic PilotTraffic Coordinator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in traffic managementHigh school diploma; certifications in traffic control are common
Work EnvironmentOn-site traffic management, often outdoors, in construction or transportation settingsOffice-based planning with on-site traffic control duties
Employer & Industry UsageTransportation companies, construction firms, government agenciesEvent planning, transportation, construction industries

The Salaried Traffic Pilot typically focuses on direct traffic management and safety on-site, often working outdoors, while the Traffic Coordinator handles planning, scheduling, and coordination tasks, often in an office setting. Both roles require traffic control knowledge, but the Traffic Coordinator emphasizes administrative duties, whereas the Traffic Pilot is more hands-on with traffic flow.

More about Salaried Traffic Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Salaried Traffic Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Salaried Traffic Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Traffic Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Traffic Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Salaried Traffic Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Salaried Traffic Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Salaried Traffic Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Salaried Traffic Pilot jobs are:

Salaried Traffic Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Salaried Traffic Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,162 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

SAIC

Fremont, CA • Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 225 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2615908

Location: Fremont, CA, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-20

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Computer Operator

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

  • PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position.

We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Oakland ARTCC (ZOA) in Fremont, CA, supporting air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Job Description:

The RPO plays the role of the pilot and other controllers in the Air Traffic Controller training simulator.  The RPO operates a combination of a simulated radar display and voice communication system to simulate the actions and communication of pilots and remote ATC facilities during medium and high-fidelity training exercises. RPOs receive voice commands from students, input proper entries into the automated system to simulate pilot actions, translate displayed information into appropriate ATC terminology, and respond to the student via the VCS utilizing proper phraseology.

The candidate will be required to complete the following certifications:  Classroom (pass test on airspace and procedures) and Lab (perform as a Remote Pilot Operator on all positions).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control specialists provide the flying public with a high level of safety and professionalism. A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) each day.

To provide such air traffic services, the FAA trains new air traffic control specialists and provides recurrent training to current air traffic control specialists. The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.S. and its Territories to ensure these training needs are met. The scope of the contractor-provided services includes all training and training program support to successfully train and prepare students to become fully certified air traffic controllers. SAIC must provide training and training related support services as required for all types and levels of ATC facilities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Candidates for this position must have a minimum of a high school diploma (or equivalent) and demonstrate basic computer proficiency. Candidates must possess an ability to read and interpret materials such as diagrams and manuals, and have the ability to speak clearly and be understood
  • US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Experience working in a multidisciplinary team (Multimedia Developers, Quality Assurance, Instructions System Designers, Subject Matter Experts, Instructors)
  • Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired, but not required
  • Effective oral and written communications skills
  • Working knowledge of the FAAO JO 7110.65 is strongly desired, but not required
  • Effective team building skills
  • MS Office Suite Proficiency (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
  • Basic familiarization of current technologic tools (tablets, notebooks, applications, etc.)
  • Basic familiarization or experience with pilot/controller communications or phraseology

Target salary range: $40,001 - $80,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

What SAIC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply