Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area command an impressive average annual salary of $324,030. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $285,030, indicating a robust demand and higher compensation for aviation professionals in this major metropolitan hub. The concentration of major airlines and a high volume of air traffic likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $324,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 48.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $486,045.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim stands at 6,570 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 1.65, this suggests a job market that is approximately 65% more concentrated than the national average, signaling strong local demand and a thriving sector for these specialized roles.
Salary Overview
The average Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns+13.7%above the national average.
$155.8
$6,231
$27,003
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as increasing operational demands, the need for experienced aviators, and general economic trends typically drive upward salary adjustments in this high-skill profession.
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Salary progression for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is strongly tied to experience and seniority. Entry-level positions typically start at lower pay scales, while seasoned professionals with extensive flight hours and advanced certifications can command salaries well above the average. The significant percentile gaps observed in salary distributions reflect this career trajectory, rewarding expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $128,740 | $61.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $243,023 | $116.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $324,030 | $155.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $405,038 | $194.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $486,045 | $233.7 |
Detailed Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$324,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$324,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $324,030 in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services in the region.
Job Market Context
6,570
Total Jobs
1.06
Per 1K Jobs
1.65
Location Quotient
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has 1.6x the national concentration of Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.65 for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim indicates a notably higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where opportunities are plentiful, but the pool of qualified candidates is also substantial, reflecting the region's importance as an aviation center.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary | $343,340↑ 6% | 49 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Hiring Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $324,030. This typically ranges from $128,740 for entry-level positions to $486,045 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 13.7% higher than the national median of $285,030.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative location.The average salary of $324,030 significantly exceeds the national average, and the job market is more concentrated than the national average, indicating strong demand and compensation.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($343,340) and others.
How does the Los Angeles pilot salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Los Angeles is $324,030, which is $39,000 higher than the national average of $285,030.
What is the job concentration for pilots in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a job concentration for pilots that is 65% higher than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.65.
Does the high salary in Los Angeles translate to higher purchasing power?
No, the Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many pilots are employed in the Los Angeles area?
There are approximately 6,570 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers employed in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,570 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 1.06 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA