📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Commercial Pilots Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$162,562
per year
Median
$149,498
per year
Hourly
$78.15
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$85,044
25th Percentile — Junior$122,589
50th Percentile — Median$149,498
75th Percentile — Senior$207,065
90th Percentile — Top Earners$242,311
💡 Top-earning Commercial Pilotss in California make up to $242,311 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$143.7k
2021
$147.3k
2022
$151.0k
2023
$154.7k
2024
$158.6k
2025
$162.6k
2026
📈 Commercial Pilots salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Commercial Pilots Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $251,971 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $240,592 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $279,607 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $300,740 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $175,567 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $198,326 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $235,715 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $175,567 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $230,838 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $227,587 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $208,079 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $191,823 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $251,971 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $191,823 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $182,069 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $198,326 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $186,946 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $240,592 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $260,099 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Commercial Pilots Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Commercial Pilotss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $162,562 per year, California's Commercial Pilots salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $85,044–$122,589, while experienced Commercial Pilotss can command $207,065–$242,311.

Looking ahead, the Commercial Pilots profession in California is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Commercial Pilots salary in California is $162,562 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $114,480.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Commercial Pilotss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Commercial Pilots employment.
  • At $162,562/year, California Commercial Pilots salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $114,480/year.