Air Traffic Controller Salary in California
Based on 2K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$62,600
$30.10/hr
vs National Average
$56,947
+9.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $106K
2K employed in California
Air Traffic Controller salary in California averages $62,600 per year, positioning the state as a competitive market for this critical aviation profession. With approximately 1,660 employed air traffic controllers throughout California, the state offers 10% higher compensation than the national average, reflecting the complexity and high traffic volume of its airspace.
Several factors influence air traffic controller compensation in California, including facility type, years of experience, and shift assignments. Controllers working at major hubs like Los Angeles or San Francisco typically earn toward the higher end of the $47,040 to $106,170 range compared to those at smaller regional facilities. Federal employment classification, overtime availability, and specialized certifications also significantly impact earning potential in this safety-critical field.
Salary Distribution — Air Traffic Controller in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,040 |
| 25th percentile | $54,580 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $62,600 |
| 75th percentile | $86,320 |
| 90th percentile | $106,170 |
Top-Paying Industries for Air Traffic Controller (U.S.)
Which industries pay Air Traffic Controllers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Air Traffic Controllers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $103,820 | — |
| Manufacturing | $88,420 | 150 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $70,590 | 160 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,850 | 4K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $49,820 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Air Traffic Controller in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $47,260 |
| 2023 | $63,430 |
| 2024 | $61,100 |
| 2025 | $62,600 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,137 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $47,260 | $53,742 |
| 2023 | $63,430 | $55,720 |
| 2024 | $61,100 | $55,556 |
| 2025 | $62,600 | $56,947 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,137 | $58,345 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $54,580 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $62,600 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $86,320 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $106,170 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other States
Related Air Traffic Controller Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Air Traffic Controller ($62,600 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Air Traffic Controller | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in CA | $353,900 | +465.3% | $170.14/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in CA | $97,680 | +56.0% | $46.96/hr |
| Electrician in CA | $76,160 | +21.7% | $36.62/hr |
| Plumber in CA | $72,830 | +16.3% | $35.01/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in CA | $64,980 | +3.8% | $31.24/hr |
| Construction Laborer in CA | $60,270 | -3.7% | $28.98/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in CA | $57,000 | -8.9% | $27.40/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in CA | $64,620 | +3.2% | $31.07/hr |
| Truck Driver in CA | $60,230 | -3.8% | $28.96/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in CA | $59,250 | -5.4% | $28.49/hr |
| Bookkeeper in CA | $59,230 | -5.4% | $28.48/hr |
| Title Examiner in CA | $67,230 | +7.4% | $32.32/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in California?
- The median salary for air traffic controllers in California is $62,600 per year, or $30 per hour. This is 9.9% higher than the national average, making California one of the better-paying states for this profession.
What is the salary range for air traffic controllers in California?
- Air traffic controller salaries in California range from $47,040 at the lower end to $106,170 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and facility complexity.
How many air traffic controllers work in California?
- There are currently 1,660 air traffic controllers employed in California, representing a significant portion of the workforce in this specialized field.
Is California's air traffic controller salary above the national average?
- Yes, California's median air traffic controller salary of $62,600 per year is 9.9% higher than the national average. This premium reflects California's cost of living and the complexity of its airspace.