San Francisco vs Riverside: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between San Francisco, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $198,329▲ | $96,559 |
| Hourly Rate | $95.35▲ | $46.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,796▲ | $45,654 |
| 25th Percentile | $157,168▲ | $79,184 |
| 75th Percentile | $223,674▲ | $129,843 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $231,480▲ | $145,290 |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 140 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Riverside is $101,770 (105.40%). San Francisco's median is +30.58% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $126,684,Riverside spans $99,636. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($171,546 effective) pays 89.10% more than Riverside ($90,715 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($198,329/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($231,480)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $171,546)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in San Francisco grew 27.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.4% growth in Riverside over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$151,900 (2019) → $193,360 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$96,430 (2022) → $94,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: San Francisco or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Riverside?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Riverside as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in San Francisco vs Riverside?
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