Air Traffic Controller Salary in Dublin, CA: $173,840 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Dublin, CA earns a median $173,840/year (≈ $83.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Dublin's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $153,705 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Dublin, California, can expect a median annual salary of $173,840, which surpasses the national median of $151,886 by approximately 14.45%. With salaries ranging from $100,827 at the 10th percentile to $248,096 at the 90th percentile, the compensation package reflects the local economic conditions and competitive demand for skilled professionals in the aviation sector. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for the regional cost of living, which is indexed at 113.1, indicating that Dublin has a higher cost of living compared to the national average. Such a salary range is particularly beneficial for those starting their careers, as there is often a timeline of 1-3 years to reach full pay through the CPC certification process, allowing for a gradual ramp-up in earnings as controllers gain experience and qualifications.
About the Dublin Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,827 | $48.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,164 | $60.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $173,840 | $83.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $221,476 | $106.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $248,096 | $119.28 |
Median Salary Position
14.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dublin
In Dublin, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $147,269 (2026 est.). At $173,840, the local median is 14.45% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dublin: You'd be above the median
How Dublin Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Dublin median: $173,840/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dublin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,778 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +14.45% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Dublin, CA earn a median of $173,840 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.45% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% above the California state average of $171,778.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dublin has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dublin, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $173,840 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $153,705 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$140,767
2025 BLS Actual
$169,484
2026 Current Est.
$173,840
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Dublin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $140,767 | Actual |
| 2020 | $149,271 | Actual |
| 2021 | $148,505 | Actual |
| 2022 | $151,366 | Actual |
| 2023 | $157,237 | Actual |
| 2024 | $206,018 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,484 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $173,840 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $178,307 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dublin metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $140,767 (2019) to $169,484 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $178,307 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,540 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dublin 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) | $100,827 – $125,164 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,164 – $173,840 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $173,840 – $221,476 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $221,476 – $248,096 |
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 Dublin
The job market for air traffic controllers in Dublin is relatively stable, with approximately 14 individuals currently employed in the area. This localized workforce highlights the necessity for potential candidates to be strategic in their career management to maximize take-home pay. Given the elevated cost of living, controllers looking to enhance their salaries should consider opportunities within FAA en route centers, which typically provide the highest pay levels compared to FAA terminal radar approach controls and airport traffic control towers. Factors such as facility type, CPC certification status, and shift differentials come into play when assessing potential earnings. For instance, controllers at higher-level en route facilities can earn significantly more due to locality pay and abundant overtime, especially in response to chronic understaffing. Therefore, aspiring controllers in Dublin should orient their career choices towards high-traffic facilities and take advantage of additional compensation opportunities to ensure strong financial outcomes.
More salary data for Dublin, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Dublin?
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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 $169,484 for air traffic controllersin the Dublin 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 Dublin 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