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
groups Employed in CA
2,290
public U.S. Median
$148,080
trending_up National Outlook
+1%
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.
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.