HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Commercial Airline Pilot Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$177,080/yr
Typical range: $171,769 – $203,647
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $177,080 | $14,757 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $211,513 | $17,626 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $234,468 | $19,539 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $255,783 | $21,315 | +44% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $295,134 | $24,595 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $324,647 | $27,054 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $332,026 | $27,669 | +88% |
Current Salary
$177,080
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $85/hr
Next Level Target
$211,513
Junior · 2
+$34Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Commercial Airline Pilot salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level Commercial Airline Pilots in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $177K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Commercial Airline Pilot make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $177K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $85/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Commercial 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 Commercial Airline Pilot in San Francisco, CA earns $297K–$352K/yr.