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Commercial Pilots Salary in California
Ranked #3 of 48 · CA
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of commercial pilotss in California earn between $63,890 and $500,170. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean commercial pilots salary in California is $202,040, about 38.3% above the U.S. average ($146,080). That works out to roughly $97/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in California
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $274,730 | $218,810 | 130 |
| North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area | $216,950 | $188,000 | 50 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $173,070 | $181,600 | 380 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,420 | $177,010 | 200 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $149,200 | $161,510 | 60 |
| Modesto, CA | $140,920 | $176,410 | 50 |
| Redding, CA | $135,340 | $149,700 | 50 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $128,080 | $156,890 | 370 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do commercial pilots make in California?
The median commercial pilots salary in California is $165,590 per year (mean $202,040), and about 80% earn between $63,890 and $500,170.
How much do commercial pilots make per hour in California?
Roughly $97 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $202,040 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is California a high-paying state for commercial pilots?
California ranks #3 of 48 states for commercial pilots pay. Its mean salary of $202,040 is about 38.3% above the U.S. average of $146,080.
Which metro areas in California pay commercial pilots the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in California for commercial pilots are Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA ($274,730), North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area ($216,950), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($173,070), by median annual wage.