Air Traffic Controllers Salary in California (2025)
Official BLS OEWS data · May 2025 · 2,290 employed
Annual Mean
$156,910
$75.44/hr
Annual Median
$160,080
$76.96/hr
Bottom 10%
$80,960
$38.93/hr
Top 10%
$225,680
$108.50/hr
Location vs National Average
California
$156,910
Difference
+7.1% vs US avg
US National
$146,490
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $80,960 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $115,810 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $160,080 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $207,670 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $225,680 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$81K
25th
$116K
Median
$160K
75th
$208K
90th
$226K
California has a moderate number of Air Traffic Controllers positions (approximately 2,290), reflecting steady demand in this occupation.
In California, Air Traffic Controllers salaries range from $80,960 at the 10th percentile to $225,680 at the 90th percentile — a spread of $144,720 (90% of the median). This wide range suggests significant variation based on experience and employer in this area.
Top Paying Cities in California
Metro areas with highest Air Traffic Controllers wages
How Air Traffic Controllers Compares in California
The average Air Traffic Controllers salary of $156,910 in California ranks above the national average of $146,490. There are approximately 2,290 Air Traffic Controllerss employed in California.
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Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · Public domain · Not affiliated with BLS.