Sacramento vs San Jose: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $201,335▲ | $185,607 |
| Hourly Rate | $96.80▲ | $89.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,887 | $107,651▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $144,716▲ | $133,636 |
| 75th Percentile | $213,879 | $237,577▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $231,480 | $276,763▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 168 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Jose.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Jose is $15,728 (8.47%). 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 Sacramento spans $148,593,San Jose spans $169,112. San Jose 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, Sacramento ($188,746 effective) pays 15.01% more than San Jose ($164,109 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($276,763)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Sacramento grew 30.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -17.7% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$150,230 (2019) → $196,290 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$219,963 (2024) → $180,956 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Sacramento or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Jose as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Sacramento vs San Jose?
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