Commercial Pilots Salary in California
Commercial Pilots in California earn a median of $165,590 a year, +34% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $165,590
- vs. U.S. median
- +34% ($123,220)
- Rank among states
- 4 of 48
- Jobs in the state
- 4,900
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $63,890; the top 10% earn over $500,170. Nationally the range is $58,850 to $266,620.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers$353,900 median in California
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels$110,090 median in California
- Locomotive Engineers$77,070 median in California
- Aircraft Service Attendants$46,800 median in California
- Subway and Streetcar Operators$78,680 median in California
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters$69,950 median in California
Commercial Pilots pay in California
How much do commercial pilots make in California?
The median is $165,590 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $63,890 and the top 10% earn over $500,170. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for commercial pilots?
On pay alone it ranks 4 of 48 (+34% vs. the national median of $123,220). Living costs are not included.