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Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$353,900
Median Annual Salary
$310,190
Mean Salary
$353,900
Median Salary
$170.14
Hourly Rate
10,670 people work as Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in California
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in California earn a median salary of $353,900 per year ($29,491/month).
This is 65.0% above the national average of $214,428.
California ranks #4 out of 37 states for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers pay.
Approximately 10,670 people work in this occupation across California.
About This Job: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.
Top Skills
Operation and Control
4.88
Operations Monitoring
4.62
Active Listening
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12
Monitoring
4.12
Key Knowledge Areas
Transportation
4.78
English Language
3.92
Public Safety and Security
3.71
Mechanical
3.7
Geography
3.7
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
(61.0% of workers)
Salary Range: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in California
Salaries for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in California range from $179,270 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $427,660 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $208,070 and $390,260.
How much do Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers make in California?
The median annual salary for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in California is $353,900 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $310,190.
What is the salary range for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in California?
Salaries for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in California range from $179,270 at the 10th percentile to $427,660 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $208,070 and $390,260.
What is the starting salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in California?
Entry-level Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers positions in California typically start around $179,270 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $208,070 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 10,670 people are employed as Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in California is approximately $170.14 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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