Oakland vs San Francisco: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Oakland, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oakland, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $202,843▲ | $198,329 |
| Hourly Rate | $97.52▲ | $95.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $117,649▲ | $104,796 |
| 25th Percentile | $146,047 | $157,168▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $259,640▲ | $223,674 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $311,972▲ | $231,480 |
| Total Employed | 78 | 430▲ |
Verdict
Oakland, CA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Francisco.
The salary gap between Oakland and San Francisco is $4,514 (2.28%). Oakland's median is +33.55% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oakland spans $194,323,San Francisco spans $126,684. Oakland 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, Oakland ($179,348 effective) pays 4.55% more than San Francisco ($171,546 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oakland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($202,843/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($311,972)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $179,348)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Oakland grew -9.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.3% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Oakland, CA
$218,624 (2024) → $197,761 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$151,900 (2019) → $193,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oakland, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Oakland or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oakland and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Oakland to San Francisco as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Oakland vs San Francisco?
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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