Air Traffic Controller Salary in Folsom, CA: $202,696 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Folsom, CA earns a median $202,696/year (≈ $97.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Folsom's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $179,218 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 18.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controller salaries in Folsom, California, are projected to be significantly higher than the national average, with a median annual salary of $202,696. The competitive landscape is reflected in a broad salary range, from $117,564 at the 10th percentile to $290,414 at the 90th percentile. The availability of overtime—driven by chronic staffing shortages—means many controllers work 50-60 hour weeks, effectively enhancing their overall compensation. These figures come from estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions, showcasing Folsom's favorable job environment. In a state where air traffic controller pay is already high, this trend indicates a robust job market that incentivizes experienced professionals to remain in the area.
About the Folsom Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $117,564 | $56.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $145,941 | $70.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $202,696 | $97.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $258,921 | $124.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $290,414 | $139.62 |
Median Salary Position
33.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Folsom
In Folsom, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $172,850 (2026 est.). At $202,696, the local median is 33.45% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Folsom: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Folsom Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Folsom median: $202,696/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Folsom Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,776 | +18.00% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +33.45% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Folsom, CA earn a median of $202,696 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.45% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 18.00% above the California state average of $171,776.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Folsom has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Folsom, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $202,696 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $179,218 — 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
$164,134
2025 BLS Actual
$197,617
2026 Current Est.
$202,696
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Folsom (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $164,134 | Actual |
| 2020 | $174,049 | Actual |
| 2021 | $173,155 | Actual |
| 2022 | $176,491 | Actual |
| 2023 | $183,338 | Actual |
| 2024 | $202,907 | Actual |
| 2025 | $197,617 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $202,696 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $207,905 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Folsom metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $164,134 (2019) to $197,617 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $207,905 by 2027 — a total increase of $43,771 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Folsom 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) | $117,564 – $145,941 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $145,941 – $202,696 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $202,696 – $258,921 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $258,921 – $290,414 |
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 Folsom
Employment for air traffic controllers is relatively limited in Folsom, with only 17 professionals currently filling these roles. However, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, making it paramount for controllers to effectively navigate their take-home pay against local living expenses. Among the major employers, FAA en route centers typically offer the highest compensation packages, followed closely by FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities. The variance in salaries can stem from factors such as the facility classification, ranging from en route systems to tower operations, as well as individual CPC certification status and the type of shifts worked. Futures in Folsom may hinge on maximizing potential earnings through strategic choices like accepting overtime, targeting higher-paying facilities, and capitalizing on shift differentials that can significantly increase take-home income during nights and weekends. Crafting a career path in this context requires a careful balance of location, experience, and the demand for controllers in a post-sequester economy.
More salary data for Folsom, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Folsom, CA in 2026?
Is Folsom, CA a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Folsom?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Folsom?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Folsom?
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 $197,617 for air traffic controllersin the Folsom 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 Folsom 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