TransportationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Airline Pilot Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$470,672/yr
Typical range: $419,939 – $513,242
P90 · 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% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $363,090 | $30,258 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$470,672
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $226/hr
Next Level Target
$572,875
Principal · 14
+$102Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
52/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Airline Pilot salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Airline Pilots in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $471K 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 San Francisco, CA?
Based on $471K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $226/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.