TransportationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Airline Pilot Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$381,865/yr
Typical range: $340,705 – $416,404
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Airline Pilot salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Airline Pilot Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $185,477 | $15,456 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $229,119 | $19,093 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $258,214 | $21,518 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $294,582 | $24,549 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $381,865 | $31,822 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $464,785 | $38,732 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $485,515 | $40,460 | +162% |
Current Salary
$381,865
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $184/hr
Next Level Target
$464,785
Principal · 14
+$83Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
52/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Airline Pilot salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Airline Pilots in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $382K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Airline Pilot make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $382K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $184/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Airline Pilot in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Airline Pilot in Los Angeles, CA earns $341K–$416K/yr.