Careers · Commercial Pilots · California
Commercial Pilots in California
Commercial pilots operate fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters on nonscheduled routes, including charter flights, air ambulance services, and air tours. They handle flight planning, navigation, and aircraft operation In California the median pay is $165,590 a year, 34% above the national median of $123,220.
$165,590median pay in California, per year
$85,020–$278,940middle half earn
4,900employed in California
$123,220U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against commercial pilots and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against commercial pilots and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringMonitoringCritical ThinkingActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionSpeaking
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageTransportationGeographyPublic Safety and SecurityMechanical
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Commercial Pilots.
Licenses and training in California
Commercial Pilots pay in other states
Connecticut · $232,160New Jersey · $226,710New York · $177,430Delaware · $163,600Ohio · $150,330Georgia · $145,100Colorado · $139,680Texas · $137,960Vermont · $137,810Pennsylvania · $134,030
Related occupations
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight EngineersAir Traffic ControllersAirfield Operations SpecialistsFlight AttendantsAircraft Cargo Handling SupervisorsFirst-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, HandRecycling CoordinatorsFirst-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against commercial pilots and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against commercial pilots and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-2012.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.