Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Davis, CA: $96,424 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Davis, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $96,424 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Davis's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,256 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($166,249) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates aiming to begin their careers as air traffic controllers in Davis, California, can expect a starting salary of around $96,424. This figure, representing the 10th percentile of the pay spectrum, indicates an initial earning potential that's notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $166,249. Prospective controllers should recognize that the path to higher earnings can be rewarding, as salaries typically rise through the ranks; within just a few years, entry-level controllers could see their pay increase to approximately $119,699 (P25), eventually reaching the median. Given the impressive salary growth trajectory and 2.57% annual growth rate, Davis presents a favorable job market for new grads in air traffic control, particularly as demand continues to outpace supply in this critical field.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Davis
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Davis, CA typically start between $96,424 and $119,699 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $142,089 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $166,249 — 9.46% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in California of $65,000 represents just 67.41% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($96,424/year) in Davis. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Davis
- 1Research the Davis market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $96,424 to $119,699, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Davis, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Davis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Davis's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Davis is $142,089 ( 147.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $96,424, experienced hygienists can earn up to $238,513.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$81,912
2025 BLS Actual
$94,008
2026 Current Est.
$96,424
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,912 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,223 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,168 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,218 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,335 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,273 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,008 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,424 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,902 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Davis, CA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $81,912 in 2019 to $94,008 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $98,902. New graduates entering the Davis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your aviation Career in Davis
Hiring opportunities for new air traffic controllers in Davis predominantly come from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which recruits through various channels, including public bid windows and partnerships with select universities via the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Applicants must be under 31 years old unless they have military experience, which affords them alternative entry pathways. To enhance starting pay, candidates should focus on obtaining the necessary credentials, including U.S. citizenship, a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience, and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Furthermore, initial qualification training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City typically takes 3-5 months, followed by facility-specific training that may last an additional 1-3 years. In the early years of their careers, new controllers can expect realistic salary growth as they progress through the FG pay scale; while the aircraft control industry grapples with chronic understaffing leading to overtime opportunities, competitive compensation is available in high-demand locations, elevating job prospects considerably in the coming years.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Davis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Davis is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov