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Traffic Pilot Jobs in California (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 simulator. The RPO operates a combination of a simulated radar display and voice communication system ...

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 simulator. The RPO operates a combination of a simulated radar display and voice communication system ...

TradeJobsWorkForce

Air Traffic Controller

Riverside, CA · On-site

Monitor and direct the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air Control all ground traffic at airport runways and taxiways Issue landing and takeoff instructions to pilots Transfer control ...

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Traffic Pilot information

See California salary details

$22.2K

$59.4K

$108.1K

How much do traffic pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic pilot in California is $59,374.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $71,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a traffic pilot?

A Traffic Pilot is responsible for flying aircraft to monitor and report on traffic conditions, often for news stations, government agencies, or private companies. They provide live traffic updates to help commuters navigate congestion and accidents. Traffic Pilots must have a commercial pilot's license and experience flying small aircraft, usually helicopters or light planes. Their job requires excellent communication skills, situational awareness, and the ability to operate in busy airspace.

What does a traffic pilot do?

As a Traffic Pilot, your day often starts early, preparing flight plans and checking weather conditions before taking off to monitor roadways during peak commute times. You will fly predetermined routes over urban areas, observe traffic patterns, and relay up-to-date reports to news stations or traffic control centers, often in collaboration with an onboard observer or reporter. Communication and quick decision-making are keys to adapting to changing conditions in the air and on the ground. Downtime is used for debriefing, managing flight logs, and maintaining your aircraft in coordination with ground crews. The role offers a dynamic mix of flying and real-time reporting, making it ideal for pilots who thrive in fast-paced, information-driven environments.

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

To excel as a Traffic Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, thorough knowledge of aviation regulations, and experience in aerial observation and navigation. Familiarity with radio communication equipment, weather monitoring tools, and GPS systems is crucial for providing real-time traffic updates and safe operations. Attention to detail, decisiveness, and strong interpersonal communication skills are valuable assets for this position. These competencies are vital to ensure accurate reporting, flight safety, and effective coordination with media outlets and air traffic controllers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Traffic Pilot jobs?

Cities in California with the most Traffic Pilot job openings:

Traffic Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Traffic Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,374 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

Fremont, CA • Remote

SAIC
IT Services • 10K+ employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

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Learn more about SAICexternal

$40K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

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.

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