As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Pilot II in the United States is $227,334 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $109.
However, a Chief Pilot II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Chief Pilot II'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Chief Pilot II'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot II | 4-7 years | $142,331 |
| Pilot III | 7+ years | $164,608 |
| Pilot IV | 7-10 years | $196,618 |
| Chief Pilot I | 10+ years | $170,851 |
| Chief Pilot II | 10+ years | $227,334 |
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 Chief Pilot IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 9.33% |
| Avionics | 1.62% |
| Record Keeping | 0.38% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$270,527 |
19%
|
|
Preventative Maintenance
|
$256,887 |
13%
|
|
Training Operations
|
$252,341 |
11%
|
|
Personnel Management
|
$252,341 |
11%
|
|
Customer Relationship
|
$250,067 |
10%
|
|
Team Management
|
$250,067 |
10%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Chief Pilot IIs enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Chief Pilot II with a No Diploma is between $211,003 and $228,838).
Chief Pilot II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 23.7% |
| High School | 23.7% |
| Associates | 2.6% |
| Bachelors | 60.5% |
| Masters | 13.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Chief Pilot II'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.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026Salaries for a Chief Pilot II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $148,731 in 2023 to around $137,773 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Chief Pilot II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $148,731 |
| 2024 | $141,486 |
| 2025 | $137,773 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Chief Pilot II's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Chief Pilot II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Chief Pilot II is $286,736.
The highest pay for Chief Pilot II is $268,674.
The lowest pay for Chief Pilot II is $225,416.
Provides leadership and management of pilots, schedules, and records to maintain efficient and safe flight operations, comply with all FAA regulations, and deliver operational performance on company goals. Maintains the required FAA records and documentation for certifications, crews, flight times, aircraft, and activity. Keeps informed about current aviation developments and regulations that impact flight operations. Coordinates pilot training and development plans to ensure all are ready for flight duty. Uses the Safety Management System (SMS) to identify, mitigate, and manage risk in operations. May require a bachelor's degree. Requires Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. Requires FAA Commercial Pilot's License. Typically reports to a director or head of a unit/department. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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