Average Commercial Pilots Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Commercial Pilots in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area earn an average annual salary of $127,210. This figure is notably below the national average of $144,150, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as airline presence, demand, and operational costs, play a significant role in compensation within this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $127,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $190,815.
- Outlook: The San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA region supports a local workforce of 490 Commercial Pilots. With a Location Quotient of 0.94, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally concentrated job market. The presence of 0.317 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, albeit moderate, demand for skilled pilots in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Commercial Pilots in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA earns-11.8%below the national average.
$61.2
$2,446
$10,601
Commercial Pilots Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this localized segment is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Commercial Pilots nationwide have experienced steady growth over the past four years, driven by increasing demand for air travel and a competitive labor market. This upward trend is likely reflected in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA region, though the pace may vary based on local economic factors and airline operations.
Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Salary progression for Commercial Pilots is strongly tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level pilots typically earn at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive flight hours, advanced ratings, and captaincy responsibilities command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution within San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, would reflect this career trajectory, with senior pilots occupying the upper salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $62,770 | $30.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $95,408 | $45.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $102,960 | $49.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $159,013 | $76.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $190,815 | $91.7 |
Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$127,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$127,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $127,210 for Commercial Pilots in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average, its purchasing power locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of living does not significantly diminish the real value of the pilot's earnings in this specific metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
0.317
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA has 0.94x the national average concentration of Commercial Pilots jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.94 for Commercial Pilots in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, indicates that the concentration of these professionals is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively aligned, without an oversupply or significant shortage of pilots compared to other regions. The market is neither exceptionally competitive nor scarce, offering moderate opportunities for skilled aviators.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Commercial Pilots Salary | $110,810↓ 13% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Commercial Pilots make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $127,210. This typically ranges from $62,770 for entry-level positions to $190,815 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 11.8% lower than the national median of $144,150.
Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?
Moderately lucrative, with earnings matching the national cost of living.Commercial Pilots in this area earn $127,210 annually, which is below the national average salary but aligns with the national average cost of living, indicating stable purchasing power.
Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?
The Cost of Living Index in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($110,810) and others.
How does the San Diego pilot salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Commercial Pilots in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $127,210, which is $16,940 less than the national average of $144,150.
What is the job concentration for Commercial Pilots in San Diego?
The Location Quotient for Commercial Pilots in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 0.94, indicating a job concentration slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living affect pilot salaries in San Diego?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area matches the national average, meaning the $127,210 salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary across the US.
What is the total number of Commercial Pilots in the San Diego area?
There are approximately 490 Commercial Pilots employed in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA 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 490 employees in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area with a job density of 0.317 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA