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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Captain in California is $181,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $87.
However, an Captain's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Captain Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $194,000 | $16,167 | $3,731 | $93 |
| Average | $181,800 | $15,150 | $3,496 | $87 |
| 25th Percentile | $159,600 | $13,300 | $3,069 | $77 |
An Captain's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Captain's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Co-Pilot | 2-4 years | $128,546 |
| First Officer | 4-7 years | $157,137 |
| Captain | 7+ years | $181,729 |
| Pilot in Commend | 7-10 years | $217,014 |
| Chief Pilot Assistant Air Fleet Manager | 10+ years | $188,635 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Captains. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Captain salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $203,169. While startup companies pay approximate $171,860.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $171,860 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $181,760 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $196,186 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $203,169 |
For Captain roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Captain positions in Insurance or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Captain as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $236,340 | $114.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $227,250 | $109.0 | 25% |
| Business Services | $218,160 | $105.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $209,070 | $101.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $199,980 | $96.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Captain's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $194,000 | $16,167 | $3,731 | $93 |
| Average | $181,800 | $15,150 | $3,496 | $87 |
| 25th Percentile | $159,600 | $13,300 | $3,069 | $77 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Captain, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Head Helicopter Pilot | $183,100 | 1% |
| Pilot in Commend | $217,100 | 19% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Captain job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Sonoma, CA
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Burbank, CA
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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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