Orange vs Sacramento: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Orange, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orange, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $169,218 | $201,335▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $81.36 | $96.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,146▲ | $82,887 |
| 25th Percentile | $121,837 | $144,716▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $216,599▲ | $213,879 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $247,408▲ | $231,480 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orange.
The salary gap between Orange and Sacramento is $32,117 (18.98%). Sacramento's median is +32.56% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orange spans $149,262,Sacramento spans $148,593. Orange 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, Sacramento ($188,746 effective) pays 26.15% more than Orange ($149,618 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orange if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($247,408)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($201,335/year)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $188,746)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Orange grew -17.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Orange, CA
$200,541 (2024) → $164,978 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$150,230 (2019) → $196,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orange, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Orange or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orange and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Orange to Sacramento as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Orange vs Sacramento?
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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