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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a First Officer Pilot in California is $179,646 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $86.
However, a First Officer Pilot's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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First Officer Pilot Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $191,806 | $15,984 | $3,689 | $92 |
| Average | $179,646 | $14,970 | $3,455 | $86 |
| 25th Percentile | $158,927 | $13,244 | $3,056 | $76 |
Allied Universal - Redwood City, CA
Allied Universal - Culver City, CA
California Community Foundation - Los Angeles, CA
Credo.AI Corp. - San Francisco, CA
A First Officer Pilot'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 First Officer Pilot'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 First Officer Pilot | $126,438 |
| Pilot II Level First Officer Pilot | $154,562 |
| First Off... Level First Officer Pilot | $178,752 |
| Pilot IV Level First Officer Pilot | $213,470 |
| Chief Pil... Level First Officer Pilot | $185,542 |
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 First Officer Pilots. 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 First Officer Pilot 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, First Officer Pilot positions in Insurance or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view First Officer Pilot as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $233,539 | $112.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $224,557 | $108.0 | 25% |
| Business Services | $215,575 | $104.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $206,592 | $99.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $197,610 | $95.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a First Officer Pilot'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 | $191,806 | $15,984 | $3,689 | $92 |
| Average | $179,646 | $14,970 | $3,455 | $86 |
| 25th Percentile | $158,927 | $13,244 | $3,056 | $76 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current First Officer Pilot job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
REACH Medical Holdings
TWIN FALLS, ID
REACH Medical Holdings | TWIN FALLS, ID
REACH Medical Holdings seeks a Helicopter Pilot to support emergency air medical transport operations. You will safely operate rotorcraft for critical care... more
1 Day Ago
REACH Medical Holdings
WESTWOOD VILLAGE, ID
REACH Medical Holdings | WESTWOOD VILLAGE, ID
REACH Medical Holdings seeks a Helicopter Pilot to support emergency air medical transport operations. You will safely operate rotorcraft for critical care... more
1 Day Ago
REACH Medical Holdings
BOISE, ID
REACH Medical Holdings | BOISE, ID
REACH Medical Holdings seeks a Helicopter Pilot to support emergency air medical transport operations. You will safely operate rotorcraft for critical care... more
1 Day Ago
REACH Medical Holdings
SOUTH OGDEN, UT
REACH Medical Holdings | SOUTH OGDEN, UT
REACH Medical Holdings seeks a Helicopter Pilot to support emergency air medical transport operations. You will safely operate rotorcraft for critical care... more
1 Day 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
1 Day 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
1 Day Ago
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