📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Air Traffic Controllers Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$205,304
per year
Median
$196,642
per year
Hourly
$98.7
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$115,276
25th Percentile — Junior$147,652
50th Percentile — Median$196,642
75th Percentile — Senior$220,498
90th Percentile — Top Earners$247,537
💡 Top-earning Air Traffic Controllerss in California make up to $247,537 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$181.5k
2021
$186.0k
2022
$190.6k
2023
$195.4k
2024
$200.3k
2025
$205.3k
2026
📈 Air Traffic Controllers salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Air Traffic Controllers Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $318,221 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $303,850 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $353,123 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $379,812 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $221,728 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $250,471 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $297,691 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $221,728 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $291,532 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $287,426 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $262,789 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $242,259 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $318,221 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $242,259 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $229,940 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $250,471 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $236,100 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $303,850 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $328,486 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Air Traffic Controllers Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Air Traffic Controllerss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $205,304 per year, California's Air Traffic Controllers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $115,276–$147,652, while experienced Air Traffic Controllerss can command $220,498–$247,537.

Looking ahead, the Air Traffic Controllers profession in California is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Air Traffic Controllers salary in California is $205,304 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $144,580.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Air Traffic Controllerss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Air Traffic Controllers employment.
  • At $205,304/year, California Air Traffic Controllers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $144,580/year.