Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary in California
Also called: Airline Pilots
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in California earn a median of $353,900 a year, +52% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $353,900
- vs. U.S. median
- +52% ($232,140)
- Rank among states
- 4 of 37
- Jobs in the state
- 10,670
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $179,270; the top 10% earn over $427,660. Nationally the range is $106,710 to $463,830.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Commercial Pilots$165,590 median in California
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters$69,950 median in California
- Locomotive Engineers$77,070 median in California
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers$137,570 median in California
- Air Traffic Controllers$160,080 median in California
- Airfield Operations Specialists$62,600 median in California
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers pay in California
How much do airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers make in California?
The median is $353,900 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $179,270 and the top 10% earn over $427,660. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers?
On pay alone it ranks 4 of 37 (+52% vs. the national median of $232,140). Living costs are not included.