Pilot Jobs in California

Whether you are an aspiring student pilot or a seasoned veteran pilot, you want to land the best pilot job in California. How do you know where to find the best pilot jobs in California? Are you actively seeking a job as a pilot or perhaps just curious about where your current job ranks against the best pilot jobs in California? 

Learn how pilot jobs in California typically work, facts and figures related to employment and training schools, and which companies are the largest employers of pilots in the state of California. 

In order to be hired as a pilot by the best companies, you need to know where to apply for the best pilot jobs in California. 

Alaska Airlines is the 5th largest airline in the world and is headquartered in Seattle, WA with pilot hubs in San Francisco and Los Angeles. 

One of the highest paying airlines for pilots in the world, a First Officer can earn from $93,000 to $190,000 per year depending on years of experience. 

Location: 19300 International Blvd. Seattle, WA 98188

Contact Information: 

Employees: 23,376

Services Provided: 

Alaska Airlines has a fleet of 321 aircraft operating service to more than 115 destinations with an average of 1,300 daily flights across the U.S. and also to Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica.

Revenue: $3,833,000

Google Rating: 4.0/5 stars on 16,378 reviews

SkyWest Airlines, the largest regional airline in North America, is headquartered in St. George, Utah and operates 8 domiciles in California. SkyWest was voted a top 50 “Best Place To Work” by Glassdoor. 

Known for an industry-leading workforce, outstanding leadership team, and strong economic performances, SkyWest Airlines serviced over 43 million passengers in 2019 through partnerships with United, American, Delta, and Alaska Airlines. Employees are offered no cost life insurance, matching 401K, performance bonuses, employee assistance programs, stock purchase plans, and health insurance options. 

Location: 444 South River Road, St. George, UT 84790

Contact Information: 

 Employees: 14,196

Services Provided: 

SkyWest Airlines operates a fleet of more than 450 aircraft to service 236 destinations in North America. Utilizing partnerships with United, Delta, American, and Alaska Airlines -- SkyWest serviced more than 43 million passengers in 2019.

Revenue: $2,238,676

Google Rating: 4/5 stars on 1128 reviews 

Delta Airlines is the 2nd largest airline in North America. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, they have a pilot hub in Los Angeles, CA and was voted the best airline and best customer experience by The Points Guys for overall service, based on reach, cost, experience, loyalty, and reliability. 

At Delta, pilots are some of the highest paid in the industry. A First Officer will earn $92,000 - $232,000 annually and a Captain earns between $325,000 - $354,000, depending on years of experience.  

Location: 1030 Delta Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30354

Contact Information: 

Employees: 74,000 (2020) 

Services Provided: 

Delta Airlines has a fleet of 822 aircraft operating nearly 4,300 flights per day to over 300 destinations in more than 50 countries utilizing it’s partner network. Delta is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, so their main hub is the world’s busiest airport. 

Revenue: $18,311,000

Google Rating: 4.0/5 stars on 59,336 reviews 

United Airlines is headquartered in Chicago, IL with pilot hubs operating in Los Angeles and San Francisco. As the third largest airline in the world, compensation is some of the best in the industry. 

United first officer pilot salaries can range between $91,000 and $240,000. Captain salaries range between $323,000 and $352,000 depending on how many years of experience. 

Location: 233 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606

Contact Information: 

Employees: 92,000 (2020)

Services Provided: 

United Airlines flies to over 210 destinations in the United States and over 120 destinations around the globe. Daily operation of over 4,500 flights to five continents with a fleet of 848 aircraft. Direct or connecting flights can be scheduled to and from airports internationally, utilizing an extensive carrier network. Primary domestic hubs are located in Chicago, Denver, Houston, New Jersey, New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. , and San Francisco.

Revenue: $14,593,000

Google Rating: 3/5 stars on 51,383 reviews

FedEx Express is a major global freight carrier and the largest all-cargo airline in the world. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, FedEx Express has a major hub located in Oakland, CA. Federal Express Air pays their starting first officer pilots $47,952, whereas their senior captains can earn upwards of $199,800, annually.

Location: 942 South Shady Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38120

Contact Information: 

Employees: 500,000 (2020)

Services Provided: Fast, reliable, time-sensitive, global, air/ground parcel delivery. 

Revenue: $83,959,000

Google Rating: 3.8/5 stars on 5223 reviews

Company Reviews

UPS Air Cargo is the fourth largest cargo airline in the world and delivers containerized and palletized cargo to 815 global destinations for ground distribution. UPS pilot salaries average $231,035 with average bonuses of $54,575. 

Location: 1400 North Hurstbourne Pkwy, 1B, Louisville, KY 40223

Contact Information: 

 Employees: 540,000 (2022)

Services Provided: 

UPS Air offers shipment of freight worldwide for palletized and non-palletized freight. In addition to shipping they offer to pick up and deliver goods, and to clear customs.

Revenue: $92,466,000

Google Rating: 3.8/5 stars on 3688 reviews

Company Reviews

American Airlines is the world’s largest airline. They are headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas and have a pilot hub in Los Angeles, CA. American Airlines operates approximately 6,800 flights per day across 350 destinations in 50+ countries. 

AA pilots are some of the highest paid in the industry. First officer salaries begin around $90,000 and can reach $245,000. Captain salaries average between $314,000 and $342,000 per year.

Location: 4333 Amon Carter Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76155

Contact Information: 

Employees: 102,700 (2022)

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American Airlines partners with American Eagle to operate approximately 6,800 flights per day across 350 destinations in 50+ countries. As a founder of the oneworld alliance, a collective offering of close to 14,250 flights per day to over 1,000 destinations in nearly 150 countries worldwide is possible from anywhere in the civilized world. 

Revenue: $18,686,000

Google Rating: 3/5 stars on 73,072 reviews

Company Reviews

JetBlue Airlines is the 7th largest airline in North America and is considered a low-cost airline. JetBlue is headquartered in Long Island City (Queens), NY and they have a pilot hub in Long Beach, CA. 

First officer pilots start near $89,000 and can reach $180,000 with enough experience. Captains at JetBlue can expect a salary between $234,000 and $269,000 per year depending on experience. 

Location: 2701 Queens Plaza N., Long Island City, New York 11101

Contact Information: 

Employees: 22,000 (2022)

Services Provided: 

JetBlue has approximately 280 aircraft, operating more than 1,000 flights per day to over 100 domestic and international destinations in the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

Revenue: $3,386,000

Google Rating: 4/5 stars on 18,190 reviews

Company Reviews

Southwest Airlines is the largest, low cost, airline in the world. They are headquartered in Dallas, TX with a pilot hub in Oakland, CA with a focus on Los Angeles and San Diego. 

Southwest pilot salaries are 6th in the industry with first-time officers starting at an annual salary of around $84,000 and earning up to $191,000 annually with experience. Captains’ annual salaries range between $241,000 and $274,000 per year. 

Location: 2702 Love Field Dr., Dallas, TX, 75235

Contact Information: 

Employees: 54,448

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Southwest Airlines has a fleet of 747 Boeing 737 aircrafts offering service to 103 destinations throughout the United States and to 10 countries outside the U.S.

Revenue: $9,866,000

Google Rating: 4.5/5 stars on 44,015 reviews

Company Reviews

Allegiant Air is a major carrier and the fourth largest commercial airline in North America. They are headquartered in Las Vegas, NV, but have destinations to Oakland, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Orange County and San Diego. 

First officer pilots at Allegiant Air begin at an average annual salary of $34,440 but the annual salary of a Senior Captain can increase up to $122,640.

Location: 5757 Wayne Newton Blvd. Terminal 1, Gate A Las Vegas, NV 89119

Contact Information: 

Employees: 4,300 (2020)

Services Provided: 

Allegiant Air has a fleet of 115 aircraft and offers domestic flights to approximately 91 destinations across the continental U.S. and Hawaii. 

Revenue: $1,199,102

Google Rating: 3.5/5 stars on 10,327 reviews

Company Reviews

The best pilot jobs in California are waiting for qualified applicants like you to help fill the ever growing pilot shortage in North America! You now have a much clearer idea of which airlines pay the most, which have the best services to offer, and where their hubs and flight destinations are located. 

What are you waiting for? Apply for the best pilot jobs in California now! As jobs open or close, and information in the aviation industry changes...keep yourself abreast of the most pertinent and recent information across the American aviation industry with a subscription to FLYING Magazine today!