Air Traffic Controller Salary in Modesto, CA: $174,211 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Modesto, CA earns a median $174,211/year (≈ $83.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Modesto's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $154,033 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Modesto, California, the projected median air traffic controller salary in 2026 is $174,211, reflecting a substantial 14.70% premium compared to the national median of $151,886. The local salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $101,043 (10th percentile) and experienced professionals earning as much as $265,595 (90th percentile). These figures are informed by estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living considerations, which adds depth to the understanding of air traffic controller pay in Modesto. Engaging with the en route Level 12 facilities, terminal locations, and tower operations can lead to notable variations in these figures and ultimately influence the earning potential within this market.
About the Modesto Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,043 | $48.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,432 | $60.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $174,211 | $83.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $222,990 | $107.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $265,595 | $127.69 |
Median Salary Position
14.70% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Modesto
In Modesto, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $164,552 (2026 est.). At $174,211, the local median is 14.7% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Modesto: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Modesto Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Modesto median: $174,211/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Modesto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,806 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +14.70% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Modesto, CA earn a median of $174,211 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.70% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% above the California state average of $171,806.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Modesto has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Modesto, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $174,211 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $154,033 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$141,068
2025 BLS Actual
$169,846
2026 Current Est.
$174,211
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $141,068 | Actual |
| 2020 | $149,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $148,822 | Actual |
| 2022 | $151,689 | Actual |
| 2023 | $157,573 | Actual |
| 2024 | $206,458 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,846 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $174,211 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $178,688 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Modesto metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $141,068 (2019) to $169,846 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $178,688 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,620 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Modesto 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) | $101,043 – $125,432 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,432 – $174,211 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $174,211 – $222,990 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $222,990 – $265,595 |
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 Modesto
With 45 air traffic controllers currently employed in the Modesto area, the job market reflects a robust demand for qualified professionals amidst an industry facing chronic understaffing and a higher cost of living index at 113.1. This environment can affect purchasing power, as local salaries must account for the rising costs associated with residing in California. For prospective controllers, the highest-paying employers will likely be the FAA en route centers, which manage high-altitude traffic and pay a premium for certified professional controllers (CPC) compared to other roles. To maximize pay in this market, candidates should consider obtaining CPC certification, as this status can boost earning potential significantly. Additionally, working shifts during weekends and holidays attracts higher rates, and staying flexible for overtime opportunities can further enhance total compensation in a field well-known for its unpredictable demands.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Modesto?
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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 $169,846 for air traffic controllersin the Modesto 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 Modesto 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