Air Traffic Controller Salary in Anaheim, CA: $180,626 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Anaheim, CA earns a median $180,626/year (≈ $86.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Anaheim's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $159,705 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Anaheim, California, the projected median annual salary for an air traffic controller in 2026 is estimated at $180,626, showing a notable premium over the national median of $151,886. Salary ranges in this field are considerable, extending from $104,763 at the 10th percentile to as high as $275,313 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments indicate that pay scales may vary based on facility tiering—specifically between en route centers, terminal TRACON facilities, and airport tower operations. This dynamic marketplace for air traffic control in Anaheim reflects the area's unique position within the air traffic management ecosystem, influenced by factors such as facility type, experience level, and local demand for certified personnel.
About the Anaheim Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,763 | $50.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $130,051 | $62.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $180,626 | $86.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $231,201 | $111.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $275,313 | $132.37 |
Median Salary Position
18.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Anaheim
In Anaheim, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $170,550 (2026 est.). At $180,626, the local median is 18.92% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Anaheim: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Anaheim Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Anaheim median: $180,626/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Anaheim Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,861 | +5.10% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +18.92% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Anaheim, CA earn a median of $180,626 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.92% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 5.10% above the California state average of $171,861.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Anaheim has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Anaheim, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $180,626 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $159,705 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$146,262
2025 BLS Actual
$176,100
2026 Current Est.
$180,626
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Anaheim (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $146,262 | Actual |
| 2020 | $155,098 | Actual |
| 2021 | $154,302 | Actual |
| 2022 | $157,275 | Actual |
| 2023 | $163,375 | Actual |
| 2024 | $217,564 | Actual |
| 2025 | $176,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $180,626 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $185,268 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Anaheim metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $146,262 (2019) to $176,100 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $185,268 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,006 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anaheim 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $104,763 – $130,051 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $130,051 – $180,626 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $180,626 – $231,201 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $231,201 – $275,313 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Anaheim
As of 2026, the air traffic controller job market in Anaheim employs approximately 51 individuals, indicative of a focused yet competitive workforce. The area's cost of living index, standing at 113.1, suggests that while salaries are above the national average, purchasing power may be impacted. Employers in the region—including FAA en route centers and terminal facilities—typically offer the highest compensation. The variability in pay can be attributed to several key factors: which tier a facility falls into, certification status as a certified professional controller (CPC), shift differentials for night and holiday work, and mandatory overtime. Controllers can maximize their air traffic controller salary in Anaheim CA by prioritizing roles in higher-tiered facilities and seeking opportunities for additional certifications and training, thus positioning themselves advantageously in a market that continues to experience staffing challenges.
More salary data for Anaheim, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Anaheim, CA in 2026?
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Anaheim?
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Related Pages
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $176,100 for air traffic controllersin the Anaheim metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Anaheim 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