Los Angeles vs Santa Clara: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Clara, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Clara, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $177,467▲ | $176,408 |
| Hourly Rate | $85.32▲ | $84.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,152 | $102,317▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $119,320 | $127,388▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $215,028 | $225,803▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $231,480 | $254,839▲ |
| Total Employed | 690▲ | 32 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Clara.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Clara is $1,059 (0.60%). 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 Los Angeles spans $166,328,Santa Clara spans $152,522. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($156,268 effective) pays 0.19% more than Santa Clara ($155,975 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Santa Clara if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($254,839)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Los Angeles grew 18.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -17.7% growth in Santa Clara over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$146,060 (2019) → $173,020 (2025)
Santa Clara, CA
$209,062 (2024) → $171,988 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Clara, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Los Angeles or Santa Clara?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Clara?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Clara as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Clara?
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