verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Air Traffic Controller Salary in California

Median Annual in California
$160,080/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$76.96/hr
▲ 8% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in California

groups Employed in CA
2,290
public U.S. Median
$148,080
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$144,581 #13 of 43

Air Traffic Controller pay in California, explained

Air traffic controllers in California earn a median of $160,080 per year ($76.96 per hour), which is 8% above the national median of $148,080. Entry-level workers earn around $80,960, while the most experienced air traffic controllers reach about $225,680. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.

Is $160,080 good pay in California?

Adjusted for California's cost of living (which runs 111% of the U.S. average), that $160,080 is worth about $144,581 in national buying power — ranking California #13 for real pay (vs #8 on the sticker number).

See the full Air Traffic Controller Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Air Traffic Controller pay by experience in California

Entry level (10th pct)
$80,960
$38.92/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$160,080
$76.96/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$225,680
$108.50/hr

Air Traffic Controller pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs CA
California (here) $160,080 $144,581
Nevada $140,920 $140,950 +$19,160
Arizona $136,800 $135,880 +$23,280

Air Traffic Controller in California: FAQ

How much do air traffic controllers make in California?

Air traffic controllers in California earn a median of $160,080 per year ($76.96 per hour), compared with $148,080 nationally.

Does California pay air traffic controllers well?

At $160,080, California pays 8% above the national median for air traffic controllers. An estimated 2,290 work in the state.

Air Traffic Controller salary in other states

All 43 states ranked arrow_forward

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