Carlsbad vs Los Angeles: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Carlsbad, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carlsbad, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $172,050 | $177,467▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $82.71 | $85.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,789▲ | $65,152 |
| 25th Percentile | $123,876▲ | $119,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $220,224▲ | $215,028 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $257,276▲ | $231,480 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 690▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Carlsbad.
The salary gap between Carlsbad and Los Angeles is $5,417 (3.15%). Los Angeles's median is +16.84% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carlsbad spans $157,487,Los Angeles spans $166,328. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($156,268 effective) pays 2.73% more than Carlsbad ($152,122 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carlsbad if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($257,276)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($177,467/year)
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,268)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Carlsbad grew -17.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Carlsbad, CA
$203,897 (2024) → $167,739 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$146,060 (2019) → $173,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carlsbad, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Carlsbad or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carlsbad and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Carlsbad to Los Angeles as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Carlsbad vs Los Angeles?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov