is one of the most significant states in terms of private aviation. This is not a big surprise considering how many high-net-worth individuals, highly positioned corporate managers and celebrities live there. Most of them choose private jets as a form of transportation.
At some of the key business jet hubs, over a thousand private flights come in or out everyday. Cities like Los Angeles
, and San Diego
make California one of the biggest markets in business and private aviation.
The demand for private jet pilots in California is affected by many circumstances. One of the most significant is the presence of many Fortune 500 companies in the state that use jets as a primary form of transport for significant employees and to help streamline corporate travel.
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Secondly, the state is home to many Silicon Valley business owners and celebrities, who choose to fly private due to the convenience and comfort it provides.
As the private aviation market continues to grow, so does the demand for pilots who fly business, corporate, and private jets. Operators continuously look for experienced professionals who are willing to fly and accommodate the lifestyle that comes with it.
So what exactly should pilots going into this industry in California expect? We have taken a closer look into their salaries, lifestyle and overall career outlook.
Overview of private jet pilot salaries in California
As of February 2025, Zip Recruiter has reported that the average salary for private pilots in the state of California is $129,202 annually. This works out to around $62.12 per hour or $10,766 per month.
According to the source, the salaries range from $98,700 to $153,000 for most (75%) of the pilots. The top earners make $172,708 or more on average.
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The state, however, is quite versatile in demand depending on regions. There are significant variations in the salary depending on the area, according to Comparably:
- San Jose: Private pilots make an average of $191,103 per year, which puts them in the top 5% of earners in the industry.
- Long Beach: The average private pilot salary here is around $125, 572, which is around 30% above the national average.
- Beverly Hills: Average annual pay in this region is approximately $148,675
Factors influencing the salary
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that one of the biggest factors influencing the salary is the pilot’s experience. In short, more flight hours will generally translate to higher salaries. Additionally, those with more ratings on different aircraft and having command experience can expect better pay.
|
Entry level |
$50,000 – $85,000 |
|
Mid-Level |
$85,000 – $150,000 |
|
Senior |
$150,000 – $250,000+ |
While there aren’t any official numbers deciding which pilot is to be considered an entry, mid or senior level, these will be determined at the discretion of the operator.
Generally, however, entry-level private pilots are usually those who have just started their careers, and don’t have the advantage of having “many hours”. They will usually start at smaller private carriers or charters to build experience and progress or switch to airlines.
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Mid-level private jet pilots will have considerable experience on the aircraft, usually up to 5,000 hours. Some operators promote them to Senior First Officers.
Lastly, senior private pilots will be the ones in command, meaning captains. They have to be responsible for decision-making and ensure the highest safety and comfort standards. This comes with a high reward as they can expect very high salaries and better work-life balance.
Photo: Kevin Hackert | Shutterstock
Some employers also choose to have different pay depending on the aircraft flown. Pilots flying on smaller jets like the cessna citation
Embraer Phenom 100
will earn less than those flying on heavy, complex aircraft like the Gulfstream G650ER
or Global 7500
.
Lastly, the type of employer will also influence the pay, with corporate or private owners paying the most and small charter companies the least.
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Comparing private, commercial and military pilot salaries
Salaries in aviation are very versatile and can differ significantly based on many different factors. That is why there are big disproportions in how much commercial, private and military pilots are paid.
As we discussed above, a private pilot will on average make around $120,000 annually. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, commercial pilots should expect $219,000 on average. On the other hand, military pilots make around $107,000 annually in the United States.
Average salaries
|
Private |
$120,000 |
|
Airline |
$219,000 |
|
Military |
$108,000 |
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Do Private Jet Pilots Make More Than Commercial Pilots?
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Private pilot salaries outside the United States.
Europe
Private jet pilots in Europe make on average less than those in America. The salaries range on average from 70,000 to 150,000 euros annually. There are also big differences between countries, with the biggest earners working in the west and the lowest in the eastern side of the continent.
Middle East
Another growing private jet aviation market is the Middle East, where pilots based in Abu Dhabi or Dubai can expect tax-free “U.S.-like” salaries. With the best-paid pilots’ salaries, those who fly high-net-worth individuals are unknown.
Photo: VanderWolf Inages | Shutterstock
Asia
The Asia region, especially Hongkong and China, can offer very high earning potential. Average earnings range from $150,000 – $300,000 annually. Most of the high-paying offers come from Beijing, Shanghai, Hongkong, or Makau.
There is currently a big shortage of local pilots in Asia, which allows foreign pilots to make good money and attractive relocation packages. The primary issues here are with licenses and visas, but considering the high earning potential, the struggles might be worth it.
Australia & New Zealand
Compared to Europe or the United States, Australia has a relatively small private aviation market. However, due to the large distances and demand from corporate and VIP clients, pilots can expect around $80,000 – $180,000 per year.
Africa
Private aviation in Africa is primarily fueled by political elites, organizations and business people traveling between countries. Pilots have to work in difficult environments, but potential earnings can be high. The best-paying private aviation jobs in Africa will be found in RPA, Nigeria or Egypt with salaries ranging from $60,000 – $150,000.
Cost of living in California
The State of California is one of the most expensive places to live, with living costs soaring to the highest in the country. Housing, taxes and everyday expenses are bigger than in most other states.
While the average private jet pilot salary is higher in California than the national average, it is offset by bigger-than-usual living expenses.
Apart from apartment prices, which work out to around $3,000 per month in Los Angeles or San Francisco, the state has one of the highest income and sales taxes at 7.25% (13.3% for the highest earners).
Additionally, everyday expenses like fuel and groceries, which are much higher than national averages, impact salaries. Some private jet companies provide the pilots with housing allowances or per diem to cover these costs.
Despite the above high costs, many pilots choose to work in California, as while it’s expensive, it offers unmatched networking opportunities and market strength. Access to the highest-paying corporate and VIP clients can balance, in the long run, the high living expenses.
Challenges of flying private
While the private aviation industry offers very high earning potential and attractive benefits, it is also quite unique in terms of schedules, stability and career progression.
One of the biggest differences between private pilots and airline pilots is that the latter very often need to be on short notice on-call. Additionally, the rosters are much more intense, with often two weeks of flying at a time.
Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace
In Europe, for example, airlines often offer 5 on 4 off rosters, while private jet companies, like VistaJet, for example, advertise 17 on 13 off rosters.
This often depends on region, company, and the nature of work, but pilots working for high-profile clients often need to be flexible at all times.
Additionally, the limited crew on business jets means that pilots often have to go beyond flying duties and assist in different areas of the operation, increasing fatigue, stress and responsibilities.
Final thoughts
The job of a private jet pilot is a lucrative and fulfilling career path and can offer unique opportunities, especially in states like California where the industry is thriving.
Photo: Flexjet
The continuous market development keeps the demand steady, meaning experienced private jet pilots are highly sought-after by corporate and high-profile clients.
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The industry, however, also comes with challenges and responsibilities. Meaning the pilots need to have a high degree of flexibility.
Despite these difficulties, for many pilots, a private aviation career is a dream come true. It’s a combination of a passion for flying, a decent salary and a unique lifestyle. The demand for private jet pilots in California is likely to remain high in the coming years, so the profession is a promising one for those who are ready to take on the challenges.
