Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lompoc, CA: $169,994 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Lompoc, CA earns a median $169,994/year (≈ $81.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Lompoc's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $150,304 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Lompoc, California, can anticipate a median annual salary of $169,994, surpassing the national figure of $151,886 by approximately 11.92%. The salary range for this role is projected between $98,596 at the 10th percentile and $234,248 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varying experience levels and employer types. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, which have been projected to account for local economic conditions. With rapid growth expected, the 2.57% annual increase in pay aligns with the increasing demand for experienced air traffic professionals, essential to ensuring safety in a continuously evolving air travel landscape. The presence of a small but vital workforce of eight controllers in Lompoc indicates a competitive job market for individuals interested in pursuing this career.
About the Lompoc Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,596 | $47.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122,396 | $58.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $169,994 | $81.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $213,160 | $102.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $234,248 | $112.62 |
Median Salary Position
11.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lompoc
In Lompoc, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $135,652 (2026 est.). At $169,994, the local median is 11.92% above the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Lompoc: You'd be above the median
How Lompoc Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Lompoc median: $169,994/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lompoc Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,712 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +11.92% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Lompoc, CA earn a median of $169,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.92% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.00% below the California state average of $171,712.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lompoc has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lompoc, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $169,994 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,304 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$137,654
2025 BLS Actual
$165,735
2026 Current Est.
$169,994
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lompoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $137,654 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,969 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $148,018 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,759 | Actual |
| 2024 | $201,462 | Actual |
| 2025 | $165,735 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,994 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $174,363 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lompoc metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $137,654 (2019) to $165,735 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $174,363 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,709 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lompoc 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) | $98,596 – $122,396 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $122,396 – $169,994 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $169,994 – $213,160 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $213,160 – $234,248 |
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 Lompoc
Air traffic controller pay in Lompoc, CA, benefits from the cost-of-living index of 113.1, which informs the local compensation framework relative to national averages. While this index suggests a higher cost for goods and services, it also indicates that pay rates must accommodate these economic realities. Among the various employers, FAA en route centers usually offer the most competitive salaries, followed by TRACON positions and airport traffic control towers. Controllers can maximize their earnings by targeting higher-tier facilities, seeking CPC certification for better initial pay grades, and staying alert for overtime opportunities—often abundant due to chronic staffing shortages. Additionally, recognizing the impact of shift differentials can lead to significant pay increases for controllers willing to work nights, weekends, or holidays. Understanding these dynamics will be crucial for anyone looking to elevate their career trajectory in the Lompoc area.
More salary data for Lompoc, 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 $165,735 for air traffic controllersin the Lompoc 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 Lompoc 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