Air Traffic Controller Salary in Chula Vista, CA: $177,140 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Chula Vista, CA earns a median $177,140/year (≈ $85.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Chula Vista's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $156,622 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chula Vista, California, the air traffic controller sector reflects robust compensation patterns, with a median annual salary of $177,140 projected for 2026. Controllers in this area, depending on their facility type, can expect a salary range from $102,741 at the P10 level to as high as $264,406 at the P90 level. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, demonstrate that pay for controllers at en route centers typically surpasses that of those in terminal and tower facilities. Given the unique nature of the local job market, which includes a blend of high-altitude air traffic management and regional operations, lucrative opportunities are consistently available for skilled controllers.
About the Chula Vista Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,741 | $49.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $127,541 | $61.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $177,140 | $85.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $226,740 | $109.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $264,406 | $127.12 |
Median Salary Position
16.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chula Vista
In Chula Vista, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $161,665 (2026 est.). At $177,140, the local median is 16.63% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chula Vista: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chula Vista Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Chula Vista median: $177,140/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chula Vista Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,814 | +3.10% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +16.63% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Chula Vista, CA earn a median of $177,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.63% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.10% above the California state average of $171,814.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chula Vista has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chula Vista, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $177,140 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $156,622 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$143,440
2025 BLS Actual
$172,702
2026 Current Est.
$177,140
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Chula Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $143,440 | Actual |
| 2020 | $152,106 | Actual |
| 2021 | $151,324 | Actual |
| 2022 | $154,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $160,223 | Actual |
| 2024 | $209,931 | Actual |
| 2025 | $172,702 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $177,140 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $181,693 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chula Vista metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $143,440 (2019) to $172,702 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $181,693 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,253 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chula Vista 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) | $102,741 – $127,541 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $127,541 – $177,140 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $177,140 – $226,740 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $226,740 – $264,406 |
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 Chula Vista
With 51 air traffic controllers currently employed in Chula Vista, the local job market reflects healthy demand amidst a notable cost of living index of 113.1. This means that controllers will find their take-home pay impacted by local expenses, making the management of financial resources crucial. Pay often varies significantly based on facility tiers, with en route Level 12 positions typically commanding the highest salaries, followed by terminal Level 11 and tower Level 7 roles. Strategies to maximize earnings include seeking opportunities at FAA Artcc facilities, taking advantage of overtime, and obtaining certification as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) to access higher tiers within the pay scale. Additionally, controllers should consider shift differentials and holiday pay, as these can significantly enhance yearly income in an environment where chronic staffing shortages lead to abundant overtime work. Understanding these dynamics is essential for those eager to enhance their air traffic controller pay in Chula Vista, CA.
More salary data for Chula Vista, 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
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 $172,702 for air traffic controllersin the Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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