Pilot Operator Salary in San Diego, CA
How Much Does a Pilot Operator make?
Pilot Operator made a median salary around $176,784 in March, 2025.
The best-paid 25 percent made $204,159 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $154,202.
Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out
Pilot Operator
jobs in
San Diego, California
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Best-Paying Cities for Pilot Operator
The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Pilot Operator profession are San Jose
, Santa Clara
, Saratoga
, Sunnyvale
, Los Gatos
.
| San Jose, CA | $206,577 |
| Santa Clara, CA | $206,577 |
| Saratoga, CA | $206,577 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $206,577 |
| Los Gatos, CA | $206,577 |
Best-Paying States for Pilot Operator
The states and districts that pay Pilot Operator the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $183,204)
, California (around $181,558)
, New Jersey (around $180,405)
, Alaska (around $179,253)
, and Massachusetts (around $179,088)
.
| District of Columbia | $183,204 |
| California | $181,558 |
| New Jersey | $180,405 |
| Alaska | $179,253 |
| Massachusetts | $179,088 |
What is the Career Path of Pilot Operator?
A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.
For Pilot Operator, the first career path typically progresses to Chief Helicopter Pilot.
Additionally, the second career path typically starts with a Pilot III position , and then progresses to Chief Pilot I.
Besides, Pilot Operator can also turn to other related jobs, including
Remote Pilot Operator
,
Pilot Plant Operator
,
Pilot
and
Pilot I
.
Frequently Asked Questions for Pilot Operator
Q:
What is the salary range of Pilot Operator in San Diego, CA?
A:
In 2025
, the lowest-paid Pilot Operator in San Diego, CA earned an average annual salary of $154,202
, while the highest-paid made $204,159.
Q:
What is the salary for a Pilot Operator in California?
A:
Pilot Operator employed in California earned an average salary of $181,558 in 2025.
Average Pilot Operator Pay vs. Other Jobs
Pilot Operator earned an average salary of $176,784 in 2025.
Other jobs related to Pilot Operator earned the following average salary in March, 2025.
Remote Pilot Operator
made $100,290
,
Pilot Plant Operator
made $89,546
,
Pilot
and
Pilot I
made $103,412
and $133,152 respectively
.
Relevant Jobs of Pilot Operator
There is currently no job description for Remote Pilot Operator, be the first to
submit
the job responsibilities for Remote Pilot Operator.
There is currently no job description for Pilot Plant Operator, be the first to
submit
the job responsibilities for Pilot Plant Operator.
There is currently no job description for Pilot, be the first to
submit
the job responsibilities for Pilot.
Pilot I pilots or co-pilots aircraft following standard operating procedures to ensure that flights operate according to all regulations, safety, and company policies. Follows required procedures to perform pre-flight checks and inspections. Being a Pilot I determines flight routes, speed, take-off, and landing times that will fulfill scheduling requirements. Completes required documentation and performs post-flight procedures as required. Additionally, Pilot I may require a bachelor's degree. Requires Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. Requires FAA Commercial Pilot's License. Typically reports to chief pilot. The Pilot I occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. To be a Pilot I typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.
Pilot IV pilots aircraft following standard operating procedures to ensure that flights operate according to all regulations, safety, and company policies. Follows required procedures to perform pre-flight checks and inspections. Being a Pilot IV determines flight routes, speed, take-off, and landing times that will fulfill scheduling requirements. Completes required documentation and performs post-flight procedures as required. Additionally, Pilot IV may require a bachelor's degree. Requires Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. Requires FAA Commercial Pilot's License. Typically reports to chief pilot. The Pilot IV works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. To be a Pilot IV typically requires 10+ years of related experience.