Air Traffic Controller Salary in Madera, CA: $167,785 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Madera, CA earns a median $167,785/year (≈ $80.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Madera's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $148,351 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Madera, California, can anticipate a median annual salary of $167,785, which is approximately 10.47% higher than the national median of $151,886. This salary reflects the local market conditions, particularly the tendency for controllers to work upwards of 50-60 hours a week in response to staffing shortages that are common within the industry. The salary range for this profession spans from $97,315 at the lower end (P10) to $243,858 at the higher end (P90). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, factoring in regional price adjustments, making them reflective of Madera's specific economic climate. The area has eight air traffic controllers employed, indicating a compact job market where pay is influenced by the local demand and operational requirements of various facilities.
About the Madera Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,315 | $46.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $120,805 | $58.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $167,785 | $80.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $214,765 | $103.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $243,858 | $117.24 |
Median Salary Position
10.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Madera
In Madera, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $146,543 (2026 est.). At $167,785, the local median is 10.47% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Madera: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Madera Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Madera median: $167,785/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Madera Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,735 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +10.47% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Madera, CA earn a median of $167,785 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.47% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.30% below the California state average of $171,735.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Madera has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Madera, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $167,785 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,351 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$135,865
2025 BLS Actual
$163,581
2026 Current Est.
$167,785
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Madera (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $135,865 | Actual |
| 2020 | $144,072 | Actual |
| 2021 | $143,332 | Actual |
| 2022 | $146,094 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,761 | Actual |
| 2024 | $198,844 | Actual |
| 2025 | $163,581 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $167,785 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $172,097 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Madera metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $135,865 (2019) to $163,581 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $172,097 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,232 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madera 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) | $97,315 – $120,805 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $120,805 – $167,785 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $167,785 – $214,765 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $214,765 – $243,858 |
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 Madera
Looking deeper into the factors influencing air traffic controller pay in Madera, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, purchasing power may be affected by local expenses. Madera's air traffic controllers primarily work in terminal facilities and are likely employed by the FAA or perhaps military branches. Pay differentials can vary significantly based on the facility type, with en route centers typically offering higher compensation than terminal facilities or control towers. Additional earnings through overtime and shift differentials can elevate overall pay, particularly as controllers may frequently work night and weekend shifts. To maximize take-home pay in Madera, controllers should consider seeking out positions at high-volume en route facilities and take advantage of shift opportunities, while also staying informed about the potential for developmental pay during their early years at the FAA.
More salary data for Madera, 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 $163,581 for air traffic controllersin the Madera 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 Madera 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