Air Traffic Controllers in California
Local pay for air traffic controllers in California, on the same wage scale as the U.S. Growth and openings are national.
SOC 53-2021
$160,080
median pay, California
2,290
employed in California
+8.1%
vs U.S. median
+1.2%
growth, 2024–34 (U.S.)
What air traffic controllers earn in California
California · annual wage · OEWS May 2025
Half of air traffic controllers in California earn between $115,810 and $207,670 a year; the U.S. median is $148,080.
$80,960
P10
$115,810
P25
$160,080
MEDIAN
$207,670
P75
$225,680
P90
Pay by metro in California
$196,290
$193,360
$173,020
$94,140
$40k $140k $240k