Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Upland, CA: $96,353 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Upland, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $96,353 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Upland's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,193 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($166,125) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Upland, California, the starting air traffic controller salary in 2026 is projected to be approximately $96,353. This initial compensation reflects a significant gap from the overall median salary for air traffic controllers in the city, which stands at $166,125. New graduates can anticipate a progressive salary path, with entry-level earnings moving upwards as they gain experience. The salary growth is notable, with potential increases reaching $119,610 in the first quartile (P25) as controllers move through their early years. Upland's current job market appears to favor newly licensed air traffic controllers, presenting favorable employment opportunities due to ongoing demand within the industry.
About the Upland Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Upland
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 Upland
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Upland, CA typically start between $96,353 and $119,610 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $148,336 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $166,125 — 9.37% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in California of $65,000 represents just 67.46% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($96,353/year) in Upland. 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 Upland
- 1Research the Upland market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $96,353 to $119,610, 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 Upland, 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 Upland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Upland'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 Upland is $148,336 ( 153.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $96,353, experienced hygienists can earn up to $244,689.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$81,852
2025 BLS Actual
$93,939
2026 Current Est.
$96,353
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Upland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,852 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,159 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,105 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,153 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,268 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,188 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,939 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,353 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,830 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Upland, CA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $81,852 in 2019 to $93,939 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $98,830. New graduates entering the Upland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Upland 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 Upland
Employers in Upland primarily include the FAA, which fills new roles through a combination of off-the-street hiring opportunities and partnerships with universities via the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Many candidates secure positions by completing an Initial Qualification Training program at the FAA Academy, positioning themselves for advancement and competitive salaries. New hires should focus on meeting the foundational requirements, including US citizenship and passing rigorous assessments like the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Within the first few years, controllers employed at top-tier facilities can expect to enhance their pay significantly, especially with shift differentials and overtime resulting in overall packages potentially exceeding $200,000. With mandatory retirement at age 56 looming, controllers often see a sustained need for staffing, creating ample opportunities for motivated individuals entering the profession.
More salary data for Upland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Upland in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Upland?
Is aviation school worth it in Upland?
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How do I become a air traffic controller in California?
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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 Upland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Upland 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