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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2025

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers salary in Riverside, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Riverside metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated June 12, 2026
Median annual$207,000
Mean annual$252,590
Range (10th to 90th)$153,630 to $363,200
Riverside, California employment160
State vs national-27.7% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Riverside airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$153,63025TH$166,320MEDIAN$207,00075TH$337,88090TH$363,200

The middle 50% of workers earn between $166,320 and $337,880, with a median of $207,000.

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)

  • Operation and Control

    Technical

    4.9 / 5
  • Response Orientation

    Ability

    4.9 / 5
  • Transportation

    Knowledge

    4.8 / 5
  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    4.8 / 5
  • Operations Monitoring

    Technical

    4.6 / 5
  • Control Precision

    Ability

    4.6 / 5
  • Reaction Time

    Ability

    4.3 / 5
  • Near Vision

    Ability

    4.3 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.

  2. 02

    Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.

  3. 03

    Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.

  4. 04

    Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.

  5. 05

    Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.

  6. 06

    Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.

  7. 07

    Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.

  8. 08

    Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.

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Other metros in California

How the Riverside metro compares to other major California metro areas for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Riverside, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in the Riverside metropolitan area is $207,000.
Does Riverside pay more than the California state average for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
The Riverside metro median is -41.5% versus the California state median of $353,900.
How does Riverside compare to the national median for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
The Riverside metro median is -27.7% versus the BLS national figure of $286,482.
What is the salary range for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Riverside?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $153,630 and the 90th-percentile at $363,200 for the Riverside 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.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Riverside 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.