How does San Diego compare to the national median for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?

The San Diego metro median is +84.4% versus the BLS national figure of $111,528.

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.

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary in San Diego, California

Median annual$205,650

Mean annual$276,790

Range (10th to 90th)Not published

San Diego, California employment180

State vs national+84.4% vs national

Salary distribution

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

Distribution not available

The Bureau of Labor Statistics suppresses wage percentiles for this occupation and state when the surveyed cell has too few employers to publish without revealing individual firm pay. National figures and adjacent states below remain a useful reference.

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)

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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Other metros in California

How the San Diego 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 San Diego, California?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in the San Diego metropolitan area is $205,650.
How does San Diego compare to the national median for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?: The San Diego metro median is +84.4% versus the BLS national figure of $111,528.
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 San Diego 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.