Airline Pilot Salary in California
Based on 11K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$353,900
$170.14/hr
vs National Average
$214,428
+65.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$179K – $428K
11K employed in California
Airline pilot salary in California reflects strong compensation for experienced aviation professionals. The median annual salary reaches $353,900, positioning California pilots significantly above their national counterparts at 65% higher earnings. With approximately 10,670 pilots employed throughout the state, California remains a major hub for commercial aviation employment.
Several factors influence airline pilot salary in California, including seniority level, aircraft type, and employer. Regional carriers typically offer lower compensation than major airlines, while pilots flying larger aircraft command higher pay. The state's high cost of living, concentration of major airline hubs, and competitive job market contribute to elevated salary levels compared to other regions.
Salary Distribution — Airline Pilot in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $179,270 |
| 25th percentile | $208,070 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $353,900 |
| 75th percentile | $390,260 |
| 90th percentile | $427,660 |
Top-Paying Industries for Airline Pilot (U.S.)
Which industries pay Airline Pilots the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Airline Pilots in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | $290,600 | 99K |
| Wholesale Trade | $164,960 | 40 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $139,590 | 3K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $130,170 | 600 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $125,000 | 100 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Airline Pilot in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $225,040 |
| 2025 | $353,900 |
| 2026 (projected) | $375,134 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $225,040 | $150,453 |
| 2025 | $353,900 | $214,428 |
| 2026 (projected) | $375,134 | $227,294 |
Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $208,070 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $353,900 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $390,260 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $427,660 |
Airline Pilot Salary in Other States
Related Airline Pilot Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Airline Pilot ($353,900 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Airline Pilot | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Supervisor in CA | $97,680 | -72.4% | $46.96/hr |
| Electrician in CA | $76,160 | -78.5% | $36.62/hr |
| Plumber in CA | $72,830 | -79.4% | $35.01/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in CA | $64,980 | -81.6% | $31.24/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in CA | $62,600 | -82.3% | $30.10/hr |
| Construction Laborer in CA | $60,270 | -83.0% | $28.98/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in CA | $57,000 | -83.9% | $27.40/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | -0.1% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | -11.3% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | -14.9% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | -17.4% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | -23.5% | $130.08/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do airline pilots make in California?
- Airline pilots in California earn a median salary of $353,900 per year, or approximately $170 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 65% premium for pilots working in the state.
What is the salary range for pilots working in California?
- The salary range for airline pilots in California spans from $179,270 at the lower end to $427,660 at the upper end, reflecting differences in experience, seniority, and employer.
How many airline pilots work in California?
- There are approximately 10,670 airline pilots currently employed in California, making it a significant employment hub for the aviation industry.
Is being an airline pilot in California better paid than the national average?
- Yes, airline pilots in California earn 65% more than the national average, with a median salary of $353,900 compared to the national median, making California one of the most lucrative states for this profession.