As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Air Force Captain in California is $97,563 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, an Air Force Captain's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Air Force Captain Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $108,344 | $9,029 | $2,084 | $52 |
| Average | $97,563 | $8,130 | $1,876 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,577 | $7,298 | $1,684 | $42 |
IVA'AL Solutions, LLC - Hammonton, CA
IVA'AL Solutions, LLC - Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA
Noble - Fairfield, CA
Department of the Air Force - Fresno, CA
An Air Force 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 Air Force 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Vendor Ma... Level Air Force Captain | $62,302 |
| Vendor Ma... Level Air Force Captain | $75,519 |
| Air Force... Level Air Force Captain | $99,644 |
| Vendor Ma... Level Air Force Captain | $100,863 |
| Vendor Ma... Level Air Force Captain | $122,631 |
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 Air Force 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:
For Air Force Captain roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Air Force Captain positions in Financial Services or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Air Force Captain as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $126,832 | $61.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $117,076 | $56.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $117,076 | $56.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $112,198 | $54.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $107,320 | $52.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Air Force 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 | $108,344 | $9,029 | $2,084 | $52 |
| Average | $97,563 | $8,130 | $1,876 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,577 | $7,298 | $1,684 | $42 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Air Force Captain job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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