3–5 Years Experience Commercial Airline Pilot Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
Typical range: $234,816 – $342,490
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Commercial Airline Pilot salary by experience level in San Francisco
Commercial 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 | $204,183 | $17,015 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $243,886 | $20,324 | +19% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $270,354 | $22,530 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $294,932 | $24,578 | +44% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $340,306 | $28,359 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $374,336 | $31,195 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $382,844 | $31,904 | +88% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Commercial Airline Pilot salary in San Francisco, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Commercial Airline Pilots in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $270K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Commercial Airline Pilot make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $270K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $130/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Commercial 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 Commercial Airline Pilot in San Francisco, CA earns $342K–$406K/yr.