Air Traffic Controller Salary in Citrus Heights, CA: $171,038 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Citrus Heights, CA earns a median $171,038/year (≈ $82.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Citrus Heights's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $151,227 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Citrus Heights, California, air traffic controllers earn a competitive median salary of $171,038 as of 2026. This figure is bolstered by a salary range spanning from $99,202 at the lower end (P10) to $244,699 for top earners (P90). With the pay advantage compared to the national median salary of $151,886, Citrus Heights is attractive for controllers, particularly those working in en route Level 12 positions, which typically command higher compensation. Salary estimates are derived from state-level Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and adjusted for local economic conditions, making this information essential for those considering a career in air traffic control in this region.
About the Citrus Heights Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,202 | $47.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $123,147 | $59.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $171,038 | $82.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $218,268 | $104.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $244,699 | $117.65 |
Median Salary Position
12.61% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Citrus Heights
In Citrus Heights, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $145,497 (2026 est.). At $171,038, the local median is 12.61% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Citrus Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Citrus Heights Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Citrus Heights median: $171,038/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Citrus Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,724 | -0.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +12.61% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Citrus Heights, CA earn a median of $171,038 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.61% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.40% below the California state average of $171,724.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Citrus Heights has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Citrus Heights, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $171,038 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $151,227 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$138,498
2025 BLS Actual
$166,752
2026 Current Est.
$171,038
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Citrus Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $138,498 | Actual |
| 2020 | $146,865 | Actual |
| 2021 | $146,111 | Actual |
| 2022 | $148,926 | Actual |
| 2023 | $154,703 | Actual |
| 2024 | $202,697 | Actual |
| 2025 | $166,752 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $171,038 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $175,433 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Citrus Heights metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $138,498 (2019) to $166,752 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $175,433 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,935 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Citrus Heights 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) | $99,202 – $123,147 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $123,147 – $171,038 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $171,038 – $218,268 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $218,268 – $244,699 |
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 Citrus Heights
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Citrus Heights is relatively stable, with approximately 19 professionals currently employed in the area. While the cost of living index stands at 113.1, which is above the national average, this can significantly impact the purchasing power of salaries earned. The highest-paying employers typically include FAA en route centers and TRACON facilities, reflecting the tiered salary structure that prioritizes Level 12 over lower tiers. Factors influencing the wide salary range include facility type, CPC certification status, and various pay incentives such as shift differentials and overtime. Controllers looking to maximize their compensation should focus on advancing their qualifications and pursuing opportunities within higher-tier facilities, especially given the ongoing staffing challenges that often lead to increased overtime pay.
More salary data for Citrus Heights, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Citrus Heights, CA in 2026?
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Citrus Heights?
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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 $166,752 for air traffic controllersin the Citrus Heights 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 Citrus Heights 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