Air Traffic Controller Salary in Downey, CA: $173,937 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Downey, CA earns a median $173,937/year (≈ $83.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Downey's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $153,790 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controller salaries in Downey, California, are projected to reach a median of $173,937, which reflects a competitive compensation landscape, notably 14.52% above the national median of $151,886. Salaries for controllers in the area will vary significantly, ranging from $100,884 at the lower 10th percentile to as high as $263,959 for those at the 90th percentile. This varied pay structure highlights the differences across facility tiers, with en route controllers typically earning more than their terminal or tower counterparts. These salary estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, emphasizing Downey's competitive air traffic management market.
About the Downey Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,884 | $48.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,235 | $60.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $173,937 | $83.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $222,639 | $107.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $263,959 | $126.90 |
Median Salary Position
14.52% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downey
In Downey, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $163,075 (2026 est.). At $173,937, the local median is 14.52% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Downey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Downey Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Downey median: $173,937/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,705 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +14.52% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Downey, CA earn a median of $173,937 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.52% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% above the California state average of $171,705.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downey has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Downey, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $173,937 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $153,790 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$140,846
2025 BLS Actual
$169,579
2026 Current Est.
$173,937
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $140,846 | Actual |
| 2020 | $149,355 | Actual |
| 2021 | $148,588 | Actual |
| 2022 | $151,451 | Actual |
| 2023 | $157,326 | Actual |
| 2024 | $206,134 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,579 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $173,937 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $178,407 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downey metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $140,846 (2019) to $169,579 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $178,407 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,561 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downey 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) | $100,884 – $125,235 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,235 – $173,937 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $173,937 – $222,639 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $222,639 – $263,959 |
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 Downey
With 22 air traffic controllers currently employed in the Downey area, the local job market is stable, supported by the FAA and various military installations. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, controllers will need to navigate their salaries carefully to maintain purchasing power. Employers in the vicinity include FAA en route centers and terminal control facilities, where top-tier positions typically command the highest incomes. The wide variance in earnings can be attributed to factors such as facility tier level, certification status, and additional compensation like shift differentials and overtime. To maximize potential earnings in Downey, controllers should seek out opportunities to transition into higher-tier facilities and consider certifications that enhance their value, all while being aware of the benefits that come with experience and tenure in a market where staffing shortages remain prevalent.
More salary data for Downey, 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 $169,579 for air traffic controllersin the Downey 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 Downey 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