Average Commercial Pilots Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Commercial Pilots in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $160,210. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $144,150, reflecting the high demand and specialized skill set required for aviation professionals in this major metropolitan hub. The economic landscape and operational complexities of the Bay Area likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $160,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $240,315.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 530 Commercial Pilots, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area demonstrates a substantial presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.65 suggests that while the concentration of pilots is slightly below the national average, the absolute number indicates a robust job market. The rate of 0.219 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent need for skilled aviators in this region.
Salary Overview
The average Commercial Pilots in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+11.1%above the national average.
$77
$3,081
$13,351
Commercial Pilots Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Commercial Pilot salaries in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA have experienced steady growth over the past four years. Factors such as increasing operational costs, demand for air travel, and the specialized nature of the profession typically drive upward salary trends in competitive markets like this.
Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
The salary trajectory for Commercial Pilots in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, like elsewhere, is strongly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned pilots with extensive flight hours and advanced certifications can expect to earn significantly more. The widening gap between the lower and upper salary percentiles clearly signifies the substantial career progression and earning potential available as pilots advance in their careers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $82,710 | $39.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $120,158 | $57.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $170,000 | $81.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $200,263 | $96.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $240,315 | $115.5 |
Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$160,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$160,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $160,210 for Commercial Pilots in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power of this income is on par with the national average, indicating that the higher pay is balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
530
Total Jobs
0.219
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 0.65x 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 0.65 indicates that Commercial Pilots are less concentrated in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the absolute number of pilots is significant, the job market might be less saturated relative to other professions, potentially offering a competitive edge for qualified candidates seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Vallejo, CA Commercial Pilots Salary | $95,150↓ 41% | 27 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Commercial Pilots Salary | $149,930↓ 6% | 42 mi |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Commercial Pilots Salary | $141,820↓ 11% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Commercial Pilots make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $160,210. This typically ranges from $82,710 for entry-level positions to $240,315 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 11.1% higher than the national median of $144,150.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots.The average salary of $160,210 is notably higher than the national average, indicating strong earning potential. While the cost of living is average, the elevated salary provides a good financial standing for these professionals.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Vallejo, CA ($95,150) and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA.
How does the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont pilot salary compare to the national average?
Commercial Pilots in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earn an average of $160,210 annually, which is $16,060 more than the national average of $144,150.
What is the Cost of Living in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA for pilots?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the higher pilot salaries are balanced by typical living expenses.
How many Commercial Pilots are there in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area?
There are approximately 530 Commercial Pilots employed in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metropolitan area.
Does the Location Quotient indicate high demand for pilots in San Francisco?
A Location Quotient of 0.65 suggests that pilots are less concentrated here than the national average. While not indicating extreme demand, the substantial workforce size implies consistent employment opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 530 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 0.219 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 Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA