Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fullerton, CA: $176,463 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Fullerton, CA earns a median $176,463/year (≈ $84.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Fullerton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $156,024 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fullerton, California, the landscape for air traffic controllers reflects a promising future with a projected median annual salary of $176,463 for 2026. This figure significantly surpasses the national median of $151,886, demonstrating a robust local economic context. The salary range for this occupation in Fullerton is notably wide, spanning from $102,348 at the 10th percentile to as much as $261,601 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, drawn from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, suggest a dynamic market for air traffic control professionals. The city's salary offerings may also attract those considering a career in this field, particularly as controllers can achieve full pay within 1-3 years after certification.
About the Fullerton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,348 | $49.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $127,053 | $61.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $176,463 | $84.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $225,873 | $108.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $261,601 | $125.77 |
Median Salary Position
16.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fullerton
In Fullerton, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $159,253 (2026 est.). At $176,463, the local median is 16.18% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fullerton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fullerton Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Fullerton median: $176,463/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fullerton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,824 | +2.70% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +16.18% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Fullerton, CA earn a median of $176,463 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.18% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.70% above the California state average of $171,824.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fullerton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fullerton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $176,463 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $156,024 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$142,892
2025 BLS Actual
$172,042
2026 Current Est.
$176,463
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Fullerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $142,892 | Actual |
| 2020 | $151,524 | Actual |
| 2021 | $150,746 | Actual |
| 2022 | $153,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $159,611 | Actual |
| 2024 | $209,128 | Actual |
| 2025 | $172,042 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $176,463 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $180,999 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fullerton metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $142,892 (2019) to $172,042 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $180,999 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,107 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fullerton 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) | $102,348 – $127,053 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $127,053 – $176,463 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $176,463 – $225,873 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $225,873 – $261,601 |
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 Fullerton
With only 25 air traffic controllers currently employed in Fullerton, the local job market remains relatively small yet stable. Prospective controllers must navigate a cost-of-living index of 113.1, meaning living expenses are above the national average, which can affect take-home pay. According to industry patterns, FAA en route centers typically offer the highest salaries compared to FAA terminal radar approach control and airport traffic control towers. To enhance earnings, controllers should consider the facilities they work in, with en route facilities generally providing better pay due to their classifications. Gaining a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status increases salary potential dramatically, as developmental controllers earn between 65-75% of CPC wages. Furthermore, controllers can increase their pay through shift differentials, mandatory overtime, and traffic management coordinator roles. Thus, for those exploring air traffic controller pay in Fullerton, CA, proactive career management strategies can significantly impact overall compensation.
More salary data for Fullerton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Fullerton?
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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 $172,042 for air traffic controllersin the Fullerton 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 Fullerton 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