California ranks 18th of 49 states and D.C. for commercial pilots pay, trailing top-paying Connecticut ($227,140) by $105,040 — a 86% gap.
California employs roughly 10.7% of all commercial pilots in the country (5,530 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $59,790 | N/A |
| 25th percentile | $77,160 | N/A |
| 50th percentile (median) | $122,100 | N/A |
| 75th percentile | $205,320 | N/A |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | N/A | N/A |
| Mean (average) | $168,930 | N/A |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $122,100 | n/a |
| Connecticut | $227,140 | +86% |
| New York | $172,500 | +41% |
| Texas | $162,930 | +33% |
| Delaware | $155,640 | +27% |
| Georgia | $139,350 | +14% |
| Massachusetts | $137,150 | +12% |
| Maine | $134,990 | +11% |
| Nevada | $132,490 | +9% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $122,140 | 11,900 |
| Producers and Directors | $122,150 | 35,650 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | $122,520 | 11,070 |
| Industrial Engineers | $123,070 | 25,830 |
| Dental Hygienists | $121,080 | 22,940 |
| Physical Therapists | $123,300 | 24,380 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Commercial Pilots salary in California?
The mean commercial pilots salary in California is $168,930 per year. The median (middle) salary is $122,100 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Commercial Pilots in California?
Entry-level commercial pilotss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $59,790 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $77,160 per year.
What is the highest Commercial Pilots salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately N/A per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $205,320 per year.
How does the California Commercial Pilots salary compare to the national average?
The median commercial pilots salary in California is $122,100, which is +0% above national average of $122,670.