Air Traffic Controller Salary in Elk Grove, CA: $174,396 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Elk Grove, CA earns a median $174,396/year (≈ $83.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Elk Grove's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $154,196 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elk Grove, California, individuals pursuing a career as an air traffic controller can expect a median annual salary of $174,396 in 2026, which is approximately 14.82% higher than the national median of $151,886. The full salary range spans from $101,149 at the 10th percentile to $253,839 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibility associated with this role. These figures are local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the region's cost of living, which stands at a notable index of 113.1. Given this growing market and the competitive pay structure, Elk Grove is an attractive locale for aspiring controllers willing to navigate the 1-3 year certification timeframe required to transition from developmental status to full CPC pay.
About the Elk Grove Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,149 | $48.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,565 | $60.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $174,396 | $83.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $223,226 | $107.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $253,839 | $122.04 |
Median Salary Position
14.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elk Grove
In Elk Grove, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $152,690 (2026 est.). At $174,396, the local median is 14.82% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elk Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elk Grove Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Elk Grove median: $174,396/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elk Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,818 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +14.82% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Elk Grove, CA earn a median of $174,396 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.82% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% above the California state average of $171,818.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elk Grove has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elk Grove, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $174,396 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $154,196 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$141,218
2025 BLS Actual
$170,026
2026 Current Est.
$174,396
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Elk Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $141,218 | Actual |
| 2020 | $149,749 | Actual |
| 2021 | $148,979 | Actual |
| 2022 | $151,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $157,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $206,677 | Actual |
| 2025 | $170,026 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $174,396 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $178,878 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elk Grove metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $141,218 (2019) to $170,026 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $178,878 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,660 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elk Grove 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) | $101,149 – $125,565 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,565 – $174,396 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $174,396 – $223,226 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $223,226 – $253,839 |
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 Elk Grove
The job market in Elk Grove currently employs 25 air traffic controllers, indicating a stable yet limited workforce for this critical role. Given the cost of living index, controllers here will need to consider the purchasing power of their salaries versus expenses. Among the highest-paying employers are FAA en route centers, which greatly exceed the compensation offered at local ATCTs and TRACONs, and military air traffic control positions often come with unique benefits despite varying pay scales. Factors influencing the broad salary range include facility type (with en route levels commanding the highest base pay), certification status, and additional shifts or overtime opportunities. For those in Elk Grove, pursuing continuous professional development, building a strong reputation for reliability, and strategically opting for shifts that enhance earning potential are essential tactics for increasing overall pay in this market.
More salary data for Elk Grove, 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 $170,026 for air traffic controllersin the Elk Grove 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 Elk Grove 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