Salary distribution
Where Los Angeles airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $208,070 and $379,100, with a median of $364,730.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Operation and Control
Technical
- 4.9 / 5
Response Orientation
Ability
- 4.8 / 5
Transportation
Knowledge
- 4.8 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.6 / 5
Operations Monitoring
Technical
- 4.6 / 5
Control Precision
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Reaction Time
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
- 02
Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- 03
Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
- 04
Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
- 05
Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
- 06
Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
- 07
Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
- 08
Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the Los Angeles metro compares to other major California metro areas for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers.
- San Francisco$374,680
- San Jose$343,140
- San Diego$321,950
- Riverside$207,000
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Los Angeles, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is $364,730.
- Does Los Angeles pay more than the California state average for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
- The Los Angeles metro median is +3.1% versus the California state median of $353,900.
- How does Los Angeles compare to the national median for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
- The Los Angeles metro median is +27.3% versus the BLS national figure of $286,482.
- What is the salary range for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Los Angeles?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $179,270 and the 90th-percentile at $427,660 for the Los Angeles metro area.
- What education is required for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Los Angeles CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.