Air Traffic Controller Salary in Compton, CA: $170,139 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Compton, CA earns a median $170,139/year (≈ $81.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Compton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $150,432 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Compton, California, are projected to earn a median salary of $170,139, which surpasses the national median of $151,886 by 12.02%. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $98,681 at the 10th percentile to $241,182 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the variety of positions and experience levels. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 and adjusted for local cost-of-living conditions. Given the complexity of the air traffic controller role, salaries can vary significantly based on facility tier, with en route centers typically offering higher compensation compared to terminal and tower positions, influencing the earning potential in the Compton job market.
About the Compton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,681 | $47.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,476 | $59.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $170,139 | $81.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $216,173 | $103.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $241,182 | $115.96 |
Median Salary Position
12.02% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Compton
In Compton, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $142,501 (2026 est.). At $170,139, the local median is 12.02% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Compton: You'd be above the median
How Compton Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Compton median: $170,139/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Compton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,858 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +12.02% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Compton, CA earn a median of $170,139 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.02% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.00% below the California state average of $171,858.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Compton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Compton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $170,139 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,432 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$137,771
2025 BLS Actual
$165,876
2026 Current Est.
$170,139
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $137,771 | Actual |
| 2020 | $146,094 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,343 | Actual |
| 2022 | $148,144 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $201,633 | Actual |
| 2025 | $165,876 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $170,139 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $174,512 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Compton metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $137,771 (2019) to $165,876 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $174,512 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,741 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Compton 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) | $98,681 – $124,476 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,476 – $170,139 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $170,139 – $216,173 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $216,173 – $241,182 |
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 Compton
Employment opportunities for air traffic controllers in Compton are relatively limited, with only 25 individuals currently in this role. The local cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, indicating a higher expense of living compared to the national average, which inevitably affects take-home pay and purchasing power. Among the various employers, FAA en route centers typically provide the most competitive compensation, followed by terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities and airport traffic control towers. Factors that contribute to wage discrepancies include the facility tier, certification levels, shift differentials, mandatory overtime, and locality pay considerations. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Compton, understanding the specific tier structure and pursuing advanced certifications or management roles can lead to significant financial benefits.
More salary data for Compton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Compton?
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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 $165,876 for air traffic controllersin the Compton 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 Compton 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