Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in California
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | California | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | ≥$239,200 | $226,600 | — |
| State Rank | — | ||
| Employment | 9,890 jobs | 99,300 jobs | 10.0% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in California
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $127,230 | — |
| 25th Percentile | $195,730 | — |
| Median | ≥$239,200 | ≥$115 |
| 75th Percentile | — | — |
| 90th Percentile | — | — |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in California in 2026?
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is an established career with a competitive salary profile.
How can airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers increase their salary in California?
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in California can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in California?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Nonscheduled Air Transportation | $226,870 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $162,290 |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods | $141,550 |