Application Fee
$60Verified by CA Board of Transportation
Commercial Pilot Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for commercial pilot in California, including $60 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Commercial Pilot in California
Estimated timeline: 1-12 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 2
Fees: Initial application: $60
- Renewal: $45 each year.
- 3
Examination Fee: $50.
- 4
Examination Information: DPR's Licensing and Certification Program offers computer-based exams at testing centers state-wide for all individual licenses and certificates.
- 5
You can find more examination information on DPR's website.
- 6
Apprentice pilots must be supervised by a Journeyman pilot (Unmanned Journeyman may only supervise Unmanned Apprentice) for a minimum of 1 year with at least 150 hours of operation of a fixed winged aircraft or 50 hours of a non-fixed winged aircraft within the past two years to apply for a Journeyman certificate.
- 7
Examination Requirements: An applicant for a Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Certificate must pass the required examination(s) based on the certificate they are applying for.
Exam and processing details
- Information
- DPR's Licensing and Certification Program offers computer-based exams at testing centers state-wide for all individual licenses and certificates. Applications for all exams must be mailed to DPR's Licensing and Certification Program. You can find more examination information on DPR's website.
Continuing education and program notes
- Certification Program offers computer-based exams at testing centers state-wide for all individual licenses and certificates
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial application | $60 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Pesticide Regulation • Licensing and Certification Program
- Current Filing Fee
$60
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$122,100 median (0% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#19 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Commercial Pilot licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Examination Information: DPR's Licensing and Certification Program offers computer-based exams at testing centers state-wide for all indi...).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Apprentice pilots must be supervised by a Journeyman pilot (Unmanned Journeyman may only supervise Unmanned Apprentice) for a minimum of...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Information: DPR's Licensing and Certification Program offers computer-based exams at testing centers state-wide for all individual licenses and certificates. Applications for a....
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Initial application: $60; Renewal: $45 each year.; Apprentice pilots must be supervised by a Journeyman pilot (Unmanned Journeyman may only supervise Unmanned Apprentice) for a minimum of...).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Initial application: $60).
- 7. Submit the application to Department of Pesticide Regulation~Licensing and Certification Program and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $122,100, Commercial Pilots in California earn 0% below the national median of $122,670. California ranks #19 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-12 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$122,100Hourly estimate
$58.700% above national median
Difference: -$570
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCommercial Pilot Salary Ranking
#19 of 50 statesfor Commercial Pilot median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New Jersey | $229,820 |
| #2 | Connecticut | $227,140 |
| #3 | New York | $172,500 |
| #4 | Texas | $162,930 |
| #5 | Delaware | $155,640 |
Nearby States Comparison
Commercial Pilot licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $122,100 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-12 months |
| Oregon | $112,620 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $132,490 | Varies by state board | State exam required | 1-23 years |
| Arizona | $102,280 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Pesticide Regulation • Licensing and Certification Program
1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814
Phone: 9164454038
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $59,950 | Varies by state board | 18-21 years |
| Acupuncturist | $77,640 | Varies by state board | 1-2 years |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $84,910 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Varies by state board | 1-12 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Commercial Pilot in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-12 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Commercial Pilot salary in California?
The median annual salary for Commercial Pilots in California is $122,100.
How does the Commercial Pilot salary in California compare to the national average?
Commercial Pilots in California earn 0% below the national median of $122,670, with a state median of $122,100.
How many Commercial Pilots work in California?
California employs approximately 5,530 Commercial Pilots according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Commercial Pilot license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Commercial Pilots in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Pesticide Regulation / Licensing and Certification Program. Review agency details at https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/.
How often do you renew a Commercial Pilot license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.