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Traffic Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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 Sep 7, 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 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,374 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Air Traffic Controller

TradeJobsWorkForce

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Air traffic controllers typically do the following:

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 of departing flights to other traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights

Inform pilots about weather, runway closures, and other critical information

Alert airport response staff in the event of an aircraft emergency

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