TransportationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Airline Pilot Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$198,266/yr
Typical range: $190,989 – $233,423
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Airline Pilot salary by experience level in San Francisco
Airline Pilot Salary Progression in San Francisco
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $198,266 | $16,522 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $244,917 | $20,410 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $276,018 | $23,002 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $314,893 | $26,241 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $408,195 | $34,016 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $496,832 | $41,403 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $518,991 | $43,249 | +162% |
Current Salary
$198,266
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $95/hr
Next Level Target
$244,917
Junior · 2
+$47Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
52/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Airline Pilot salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level Airline Pilots in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $198K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Airline Pilot make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $198K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $95/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Airline Pilot in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Airline Pilot in San Francisco, CA earns $364K–$445K/yr.