Airline Pilot Salary in California
Airline Pilots in California earn an average of $203,699 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +19.0% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$203,699
per year
Hourly Rate
$97.93
per hour
vs National
+19.0%
$171,210 national
Salary Range
$130,965
to $296,674
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$203,699
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$143,450
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Airline Pilot's salary of $203,699 has the purchasing power of $143,450 in an average-cost area.
Airline Pilot Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $241,887 | $116.29/hr | $157,216 | $357,629 | 123 |
| San Francisco, CA | $237,292 | $114.08/hr | $151,578 | $355,216 | 120 |
| San Diego, CA | $193,799 | $93.17/hr | $121,531 | $290,469 | 100 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $189,773 | $91.24/hr | $119,477 | $264,311 | 154 |
| Sacramento, CA | $183,092 | $88.03/hr | $122,682 | $259,775 | 87 |
| Riverside, CA | $176,348 | $84.78/hr | $113,303 | $252,643 | 99 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Airline Pilot Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 683 Airline Pilots employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Airline Pilot Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$130,965
Starting salary for new Airline Pilots
Median (50th Percentile)
$203,699
Mid-career Airline Pilot salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$296,674
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Airline Pilot Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Airline Pilot salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Airline Pilot salary in California?
The average Airline Pilot salary in California is $203,699 per year ($97.93/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 19.0% above the national average of $171,210.
What is the highest paying city for Airline Pilots in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Airline Pilots in California, with a median salary of $241,887 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $176,348.
What is the salary range for Airline Pilots in California?
Airline Pilot salaries in California range from $130,965 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $296,674 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $203,699 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.