Average Commercial Pilots Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Commercial Pilots in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area command an impressive average annual salary of $229,760, significantly exceeding the national average of $144,150. This substantial pay differential is largely attributed to the region's status as a major aviation hub, demanding highly skilled professionals for its extensive flight operations and stringent regulatory environment.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $229,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 52.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $344,640.
- Outlook: The local job market for Commercial Pilots in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, while not overwhelmingly concentrated with a Location Quotient of 1.01, supports a workforce of 2,110 professionals. This indicates a stable demand that closely mirrors national employment patterns, suggesting a robust and consistent need for experienced pilots within this major metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Commercial Pilots in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns+59.4%above the national average.
$110.5
$4,418
$19,147
Commercial Pilots Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Commercial Pilots in Los Angeles have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing demand for air travel, advancements in aviation technology, and the ongoing need for experienced flight crews likely contribute to upward salary pressure in this specialized field.
Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
The salary trajectory for Commercial Pilots in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, escalates significantly with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive flight hours and certifications can command salaries in the upper percentiles, often exceeding $250,000 annually. These percentile gaps clearly signify substantial career progression and reward for accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $62,690 | $30.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $172,320 | $82.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $177,300 | $85.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $287,200 | $138.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $344,640 | $165.7 |
Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$229,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$229,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $229,760 for Commercial Pilots in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is exceptionally high, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national average, indicating that the higher wages are balanced by the typical expenses associated with living in a major metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
2,110
Total Jobs
0.341
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Commercial Pilots roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.01, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA market for Commercial Pilots is neither exceptionally concentrated nor sparse compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market where demand for pilots is present and aligns closely with the overall distribution of the profession across the United States, offering steady opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Commercial Pilots Salary | $110,810↓ 52% | 49 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Commercial Pilots Salary | $115,210↓ 50% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Commercial Pilots make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $229,760. This typically ranges from $62,690 for entry-level positions to $344,640 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 59.4% higher than the national median of $144,150.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?
Yes.Commercial Pilots in this region earn an average of $229,760, significantly above the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially advantageous location.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?
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 ($110,810) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.
How does the number of Commercial Pilots in Los Angeles compare nationally?
With 2,110 Commercial Pilots, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA supports a substantial portion of the national workforce, indicating a significant presence in this aviation sector.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Commercial Pilots in Los Angeles?
A Location Quotient of 1.01 suggests that the concentration of Commercial Pilots in Los Angeles is very close to the national average, indicating a balanced job market.
Does the cost of living impact the real earnings of Commercial Pilots in Los Angeles?
The Cost of Living Index being 100 means the high nominal salary of $229,760 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, effectively offsetting the typical expenses of a major city.
What are the typical career progression paths for Commercial Pilots in this region?
Career progression typically involves moving from smaller aircraft or regional airlines to larger commercial jets, gaining more flight hours, and potentially specializing in different types of aviation, all of which lead to higher earning potential.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,110 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 0.341 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Commercial Pilots • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA