TransportationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Airline Pilot Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$363,090/yr
Typical range: $419,939 – $513,242
P75 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $228,612 | $19,051 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $282,403 | $23,534 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $318,264 | $26,522 | +39% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $363,090 | $30,258 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $470,672 | $39,223 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $572,875 | $47,740 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $598,425 | $49,869 | +162% |
Current Salary
$363,090
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $175/hr
Next Level Target
$470,672
Staff · 10
+$108Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
52/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Airline Pilot salary in San Francisco, CA?
Senior Airline Pilots in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $363K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Airline Pilot make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $363K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $175/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Airline Pilot in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Airline Pilot in San Francisco, CA earns $420K–$513K/yr.