Air Traffic Controller Salary in Orange, CA: $169,218 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Orange, CA earns a median $169,218/year (≈ $81.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Orange's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $149,618 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Orange, California, can expect a median annual salary of $169,218, reflecting a growing demand for suitable candidates in a field often marked by understaffing. This figure is accompanied by a salary range from $98,146 at the 10th percentile to $247,408 at the 90th percentile, illustrating not only the value of experience and facility type but also the realities of overtime work that frequently reaches 50-60 hours a week. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living factors specific to Orange, where the cost of living index stands at 113.1. Given the competitive salary structure, the local air traffic controller job market is lucrative, highlighting the importance of these professionals in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel.
About the Orange Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,146 | $47.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $121,837 | $58.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $169,218 | $81.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $216,599 | $104.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $247,408 | $118.95 |
Median Salary Position
11.41% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Orange
In Orange, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $149,262 (2026 est.). At $169,218, the local median is 11.41% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Orange: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Orange Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Orange median: $169,218/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Orange Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,795 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +11.41% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Orange, CA earn a median of $169,218 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.41% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% below the California state average of $171,795.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Orange has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Orange, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $169,218 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $149,618 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$137,025
2025 BLS Actual
$164,978
2026 Current Est.
$169,218
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $137,025 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,303 | Actual |
| 2021 | $144,556 | Actual |
| 2022 | $147,342 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,057 | Actual |
| 2024 | $200,541 | Actual |
| 2025 | $164,978 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,218 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $173,567 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Orange metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $137,025 (2019) to $164,978 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $173,567 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,542 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Orange 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) | $98,146 – $121,837 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $121,837 – $169,218 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $169,218 – $216,599 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $216,599 – $247,408 |
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 Orange
The job market for air traffic controllers in Orange is characterized by approximately 21 employed in the area, facing a cost of living that is somewhat above average. This dynamic means that while salaries are competitive, controllers need to be aware of how take-home pay aligns with expenses in the region. High-paying opportunities often reside within the FAA en route centers, where earnings increasingly surpass those of terminal radar approach control facilities and airport traffic control towers. Factors contributing to pay discrepancies include facility level, certification status, and available overtime—especially in locations affected by chronic staffing shortages. Controllers can maximize their earning potential by seeking positions in higher-tier facilities or utilizing shift differentials, which offer elevated pay for night and weekend shifts. Understanding the intricacies of pay structures in Orange CA is essential for optimizing income potential in this vital sector.
More salary data for Orange, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Orange?
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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 $164,978 for air traffic controllersin the Orange 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 Orange 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