Air Traffic Controllers Salary in California
Air Traffic Controllers in California earn a median of $160,080 a year, +8% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $160,080
- vs. U.S. median
- +8% ($148,080)
- Rank among states
- 8 of 43
- Jobs in the state
- 2,290
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $80,960; the top 10% earn over $225,680. Nationally the range is $78,420 to $215,610.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Airfield Operations Specialists$62,600 median in California
- Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators$44,740 median in California
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters$69,950 median in California
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers$137,570 median in California
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance$52,350 median in California
- Transit and Railroad Police$109,650 median in California
Air Traffic Controllers pay in California
How much do air traffic controllers make in California?
The median is $160,080 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $80,960 and the top 10% earn over $225,680. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for air traffic controllers?
On pay alone it ranks 8 of 43 (+8% vs. the national median of $148,080). Living costs are not included.