Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lynwood, CA: $165,813 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Lynwood, CA earns a median $165,813/year (≈ $79.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Lynwood's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $146,607 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controller salaries in Lynwood, California, reflect the strategic importance of this role in a bustling aviation hub. With a median annual salary projected at $165,813 for 2026, local pay is notably higher than the national median, which stands at $151,886. The salary range in Lynwood spans from $96,172 at the 10th percentile to $237,570 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse range of experience levels and positions within the field. These estimates are derived from 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and regional price parities, factoring in the unique economic conditions in Lynwood. Given the growing demand for skilled air traffic controllers, this area presents a promising opportunity for aspiring professionals to develop their careers while enjoying competitive compensation.
About the Lynwood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,172 | $46.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119,385 | $57.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $165,813 | $79.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $211,807 | $101.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $237,570 | $114.21 |
Median Salary Position
9.17% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lynwood
In Lynwood, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $141,398 (2026 est.). At $165,813, the local median is 9.17% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lynwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lynwood Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Lynwood median: $165,813/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lynwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,827 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +9.17% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Lynwood, CA earn a median of $165,813 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.17% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.50% below the California state average of $171,827.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lynwood has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lynwood, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $165,813 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $146,607 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$134,267
2025 BLS Actual
$161,658
2026 Current Est.
$165,813
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lynwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,267 | Actual |
| 2020 | $142,379 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,647 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,376 | Actual |
| 2023 | $149,977 | Actual |
| 2024 | $196,506 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,658 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,813 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $170,074 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lynwood metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $134,267 (2019) to $161,658 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $170,074 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,807 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lynwood 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) | $96,172 – $119,385 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $119,385 – $165,813 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $165,813 – $211,807 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $211,807 – $237,570 |
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 Lynwood
The job market for air traffic controllers in Lynwood is relatively robust, with 16 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, suggesting that although salaries are attractive, controllers must navigate higher living expenses. Employers such as FAA terminal radar approach control facilities and local airport traffic control towers offer some of the highest compensation packages, particularly for those holding CPC certification. The pay structure within the FAA reflects facility tier levels, with en route centers generally providing the highest salaries, while shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and locality pay can significantly enhance total earnings. To maximize earning potential in Lynwood, aspiring air traffic controllers should aim for positions at higher-tier facilities, be willing to work shifts that qualify for additional pay, and consider the advantages of overtime, which has become increasingly common due to staffing shortages.
More salary data for Lynwood, 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 $161,658 for air traffic controllersin the Lynwood 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 Lynwood 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