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Air Traffic Controllers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Air Traffic Controllers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$160,080
Median Annual Salary
▲
+5.3% vs 2024
$156,910
Mean Salary
$160,080
Median Salary
$76.96
Hourly Rate
2,290 people work as Air Traffic Controllers in California
Air Traffic Controllers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Air Traffic Controllers in California earn a median salary of $160,080 per year ($13,340/month).
This is 20.0% above the national average of $133,445.
California ranks #8 out of 43 states for Air Traffic Controllers pay.
Approximately 2,290 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 5.3% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Air Traffic Controllers
Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.
Top Skills
Active Listening
4.38
Speaking
4.25
Critical Thinking
4.12
Judgment and Decision Making
4.12
Monitoring
4.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Transportation
4.18
English Language
3.93
Public Safety and Security
3.76
Education and Training
3.75
Customer and Personal Service
3.6
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(36.1% of workers)
Salary Range: Air Traffic Controllers in California
Salaries for Air Traffic Controllers in California range from $80,960 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $225,680 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $115,810 and $207,670.
How much do Air Traffic Controllers make in California?
The median annual salary for Air Traffic Controllers in California is $160,080 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $156,910.
What is the salary range for a Air Traffic Controllers in California?
Salaries for Air Traffic Controllers in California range from $80,960 at the 10th percentile to $225,680 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $115,810 and $207,670.
What is the starting salary for a Air Traffic Controllers in California?
Entry-level Air Traffic Controllers positions in California typically start around $80,960 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $115,810 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Air Traffic Controllers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,290 people are employed as Air Traffic Controllers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Air Traffic Controllers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Air Traffic Controllers in California is approximately $76.96 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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