Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Roseville, CA: $116,293 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Roseville, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $116,293 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Roseville's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $102,823 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($200,505) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting out as an air traffic controller in Roseville, California, can be financially attractive, with an entry-level salary projected at $116,293 in 2026. When considering the city's median salary for this profession of $200,505, it's clear that new graduates may feel a noticeable gap in their initial earnings—about $84,212 less than the median. However, there is a positive growth trajectory as entry-level controllers can expect to advance through to the 25th percentile at $144,363 within just a few years. Given the current demand for controllers and the competitive nature of FAA hiring, Roseville presents a solid market for newcomers in the aviation field who are ready to launch their careers.
About the Roseville Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Roseville
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 Roseville
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Roseville, CA typically start between $116,293 and $144,363 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $184,712 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $200,505 — 32.01% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in California of $65,000 represents just 55.89% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($116,293/year) in Roseville. 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 Roseville
- 1Research the Roseville market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $116,293 to $144,363, 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 Roseville, 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 Roseville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Roseville'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 Roseville is $184,712 ( 158.83%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $116,293, experienced hygienists can earn up to $301,005.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$98,791
2025 BLS Actual
$113,379
2026 Current Est.
$116,293
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Roseville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,791 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,196 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,924 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,396 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,155 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,766 | Actual |
| 2025 | $113,379 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,293 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,282 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Roseville, CA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $98,791 in 2019 to $113,379 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $119,282. New graduates entering the Roseville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roseville 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 Roseville
In Roseville, the primary employer for aspiring air traffic controllers is the FAA, which hires through various channels, including off-the-street announcements, particularly designed for candidates under 31 years old unless they are military veterans. Graduates from Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) programs are also sought after, as they come pre-trained for the FAA Academy, where initial qualification training is paid. For maximum starting pay in California, candidates should have relevant credentials, including citizenship, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, and successful results from the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Early-career controllers can expect a strategic focus on building experience, as growth within the federal FG pay scale allows for salary increases over time, especially for those willing to take on overtime or apply for top-tier en route facilities after gaining sufficient certification. Keeping abreast of opportunities with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) can also be beneficial for career progression in this in-demand field.
More salary data for Roseville, 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 Roseville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Roseville 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