Air Traffic Controller Salary in Davis, CA: $166,249 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Davis, CA earns a median $166,249/year (≈ $79.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Davis's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $146,993 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Davis, California are projected to earn a median annual salary of $166,249, which is approximately 9.46% higher than the national median of $151,886. With a salary range spanning from $96,424 at the 10th percentile to $238,513 at the 90th percentile, these figures highlight the potential variability in compensation based on experience and facility type. Given that these estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional costs, they reflect the economic environment in Davis, where salaries must also contend with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, indicating that living expenses in the area exceed the national average. For aspiring controllers, understanding this compensation landscape is crucial when considering career opportunities within different FAA facilities or paths.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,424 | $46.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119,699 | $57.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $166,249 | $79.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $212,798 | $102.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $238,513 | $114.67 |
Median Salary Position
9.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
In Davis, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $142,089 (2026 est.). At $166,249, the local median is 9.46% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Davis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Davis Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Davis median: $166,249/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Davis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,744 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +9.46% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Davis, CA earn a median of $166,249 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.46% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.20% below the California state average of $171,744.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Davis has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Davis, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $166,249 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $146,993 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$134,620
2025 BLS Actual
$162,083
2026 Current Est.
$166,249
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $142,753 | Actual |
| 2021 | $142,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,756 | Actual |
| 2023 | $150,371 | Actual |
| 2024 | $197,022 | Actual |
| 2025 | $162,083 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $166,249 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $170,521 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Davis metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $134,620 (2019) to $162,083 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $170,521 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,901 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis 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) | $96,424 – $119,699 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $119,699 – $166,249 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $166,249 – $212,798 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $212,798 – $238,513 |
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 Davis
Despite the relatively small number of 14 air traffic controllers currently employed in Davis, the local job market remains competitive and offers unique financial dynamics. The cost of living can impact purchasing power significantly, and for those in the business of air traffic control, maximizing earnings is attainable through strategic career management. Controllers generally see a salary increase based on their facility level—en route positions typically outpace terminal and tower roles. Factors such as gaining CPC certification status, which places individuals on a developmental pay scale earning 65-75% of CPC rates, and capitalizing on shift differentials can enhance overall compensation. Moreover, opportunities for overtime—often mandatory in response to chronic staffing shortages—along with locality pay, particularly relevant for controllers in higher demand areas like the Bay Area, can also contribute to significantly higher take-home pay in Davis, CA. Understanding these factors can help current and aspiring controllers strategically navigate their careers.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Davis, CA in 2026?
Is Davis, CA a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Davis?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Davis?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Davis?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $162,083 for air traffic controllersin the Davis 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 Davis 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