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Commercial Pilots Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Commercial Pilots make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$165,590
Median Annual Salary
▲
+35.6% vs 2024
$202,040
Mean Salary
$165,590
Median Salary
$79.61
Hourly Rate
4,900 people work as Commercial Pilots in California
Commercial Pilots salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Commercial Pilots in California earn a median salary of $165,590 per year ($13,799/month).
This is 35.1% above the national average of $122,580.
California ranks #4 out of 48 states for Commercial Pilots pay.
Approximately 4,900 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 35.6% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Commercial Pilots
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
Top Skills
Operation and Control
4.62
Operations Monitoring
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.0
Monitoring
4.0
Active Listening
3.88
Key Knowledge Areas
Transportation
4.62
Customer and Personal Service
4.27
Geography
3.96
English Language
3.7
Public Safety and Security
3.41
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
(28.3% of workers)
Salaries for Commercial Pilots in California range from $63,890 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $500,170 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $85,020 and $278,940.
The median annual salary for Commercial Pilots in California is $165,590 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $202,040.
What is the salary range for a Commercial Pilots in California?
Salaries for Commercial Pilots in California range from $63,890 at the 10th percentile to $500,170 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $85,020 and $278,940.
What is the starting salary for a Commercial Pilots in California?
Entry-level Commercial Pilots positions in California typically start around $63,890 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $85,020 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Commercial Pilots in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 4,900 people are employed as Commercial Pilots in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Commercial Pilots in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Commercial Pilots in California is approximately $79.61 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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