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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Pilot In Command in California is $175,236 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $84.
However, a Pilot In Command's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Pilot In Command Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $187,105 | $15,592 | $3,598 | $90 |
| Average | $175,236 | $14,603 | $3,370 | $84 |
| 25th Percentile | $152,087 | $12,674 | $2,925 | $73 |
TSMG - San Francisco, CA
TSMG - San Diego, CA
TSMG - Los Angeles, CA
ADVANCED AIR, LLC - Hawthorne, CA
A Pilot In Command'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 a Pilot In Command'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 |
|---|---|
| Pilot I Level Pilot In Command | $125,089 |
| Pilot II Level Pilot In Command | $152,912 |
| Pilot In ... Level Pilot In Command | $176,844 |
| Pilot IV Level Pilot In Command | $211,192 |
| Chief Pil... Level Pilot In Command | $183,562 |
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 Pilot In Commands. 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 Pilot In Command 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, Pilot In Command positions in Insurance or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Pilot In Command as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $227,807 | $110.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $219,045 | $105.0 | 25% |
| Business Services | $210,283 | $101.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $201,521 | $97.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $192,759 | $93.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Pilot In Command'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 | $187,105 | $15,592 | $3,598 | $90 |
| Average | $175,236 | $14,603 | $3,370 | $84 |
| 25th Percentile | $152,087 | $12,674 | $2,925 | $73 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Pilot In Command job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
ADVANCED AIR, LLC
Hawthorne, CA
ADVANCED AIR, LLC | Hawthorne, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Who. We. Are. Advanced Air, LLC is an innovative, service-oriented aviation company headquartered in Hawthor... more
5 Days Ago
REACH Medical Holdings
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
REACH Medical Holdings | SALT LAKE CITY, UT
REACH Medical Holdings seeks a Helicopter Pilot to support emergency air medical transport operations. You will safely operate rotorcraft for critical care... more
3 Days Ago
Air Evac Lifeteam
SHREVEPORT, LA
Air Evac Lifeteam | SHREVEPORT, LA
Air Evac Lifeteam seeks a skilled Line Pilot to support air medical transport operations across rural and underserved communities. In this safety-focused r... more
3 Days Ago
Air Evac Lifeteam
NORTHPOINT, AR
Air Evac Lifeteam | NORTHPOINT, AR
Air Evac Lifeteam seeks a skilled Line Pilot to support air medical transport operations across rural and underserved communities. In this safety-focused r... more
3 Days Ago
Air Evac Lifeteam
ANDOVER, KS
Air Evac Lifeteam | ANDOVER, KS
Air Evac Lifeteam seeks a skilled Line Pilot to support air medical transport operations across rural and underserved communities. In this safety-focused r... more
3 Days Ago
REACH Medical Holdings
THE GEYSERS, CA
REACH Medical Holdings | THE GEYSERS, CA
REACH Medical Holdings seeks a Helicopter Pilot to support air medical transport operations in Healthcare & Medical Services within our Transportation & Lo... more
3 Days Ago
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