How Much Do Commercial Pilots Make in California?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Commercial Pilots in California earns $165,590 per year and takes home $113,277 ($9,440/month) — a keep-rate of 68.4%, with 4,900 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $13,799.17 |
| Federal income tax | $2,372.96 |
| Social Security | $855.55 |
| Medicare | $200.09 |
| California state income tax | $930.86 |
| You keep | $9,439.72 |
How much do Commercial Pilots make in California?
The median Commercial Pilots in California earns $165,590 per year (BLS May 2025).
What is that after taxes?
$165,590 gross in California keeps $113,277 after federal income tax ($28,475), FICA ($12,668) and state income tax ($11,170) — $9,440 per month, a 68.4% keep-rate.
How does California compare to the national median for Commercial Pilots?
The California median is $42,370 above the national median of $123,220.
Which state pays Commercial Pilots the most?
Connecticut has the highest median gross for Commercial Pilots at $232,160 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Commercial Pilots salary in every state · California paycheck calculator · California minimum wage