Commercial Pilots in California
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | California | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,100 | $122,670 | -0.5% vs US |
| State Rank | #18 of 50 states | Top 20 state | |
| Employment | 5,530 jobs | 51,830 jobs | 10.7% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in California
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $59,790 | — |
| 25th Percentile | $77,160 | — |
| Median | $122,100 | — |
| 75th Percentile | $205,320 | — |
| 90th Percentile | — | — |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Commercial Pilots in California in 2026?
With a median salary of $122,100 in California and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +40.7%, commercial pilots are still in strong and growing demand.
How can commercial pilots increase their salary in California?
Commercial Pilots in California can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: California currently ranks #18 out of 50 states for this occupation. 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 Commercial Pilots in California?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Credit Intermediation and Related Activities (5221 and 5223 only) | $229,990 |
| Credit Intermediation and Related Activities | $227,800 |
| Chemical Manufacturing | $223,800 |
How are Commercial Pilots paid in California compared to the national average?
The median salary for Commercial Pilots in California is $122,100, which is roughly in line with the national median of $122,670.