Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hanford, CA: $167,078 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Hanford, CA earns a median $167,078/year (≈ $80.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Hanford's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $147,726 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for air traffic controllers in Hanford, California, exhibit a robust median of $167,078 in 2026, reflecting a 10% increase over the national average. The effective earnings can be significantly enhanced by the potential for overtime, with many controllers often working 50-60 hour weeks, influenced by chronic understaffing across facilities. This condition arises from the high turnover rate and early retirements, giving way to increased hours and earnings. The salary range for these professionals spans from $96,905 at the lower end (P10) to a striking $241,334 at the upper limit (P90). These projections are informed by data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and adjusted for regional economic conditions, showing Hanford's aviation market continues to uphold competitive compensation in the field.
About the Hanford Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,905 | $46.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $120,296 | $57.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $167,078 | $80.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $213,861 | $102.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $241,334 | $116.03 |
Median Salary Position
10.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hanford
In Hanford, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $144,429 (2026 est.). At $167,078, the local median is 10% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hanford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hanford Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Hanford median: $167,078/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hanford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,715 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +10.00% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Hanford, CA earn a median of $167,078 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.00% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.70% below the California state average of $171,715.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hanford has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hanford, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $167,078 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $147,726 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$135,292
2025 BLS Actual
$162,892
2026 Current Est.
$167,078
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hanford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $135,292 | Actual |
| 2020 | $143,466 | Actual |
| 2021 | $142,729 | Actual |
| 2022 | $145,479 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,122 | Actual |
| 2024 | $198,005 | Actual |
| 2025 | $162,892 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $167,078 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $171,372 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hanford metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $135,292 (2019) to $162,892 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $171,372 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,080 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hanford 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) | $96,905 – $120,296 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $120,296 – $167,078 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $167,078 – $213,861 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $213,861 – $241,334 |
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 Hanford
The job market for air traffic controllers in Hanford is characterized by a small yet stable workforce of ten employed individuals, reflecting the area's specialized need in air traffic control. With a cost-of-living index at 113.1, the purchasing power may feel tight compared to national averages, underscoring the importance of strategically maximizing earnings. Those employed in FAA en route centers or terminal control facilities often receive higher compensation, with facility levels and individual certification status (e.g., Certified Professional Controllers) being significant factors influencing salary. Shift differentials and the multitude of available overtime play a pivotal role in bridging pay gaps, especially when controllers are frequently advanced to handling larger air traffic loads and complex situations. Given Hanford’s context, controllers should focus on obtaining additional certifications and pursuing positions at facilities that afford more impactful pay opportunities to enhance their overall air traffic controller pay in Hanford, CA.
More salary data for Hanford, 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 $162,892 for air traffic controllersin the Hanford 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 Hanford 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