Air Traffic Controller Salary in Pomona, CA: $177,573 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Pomona, CA earns a median $177,573/year (≈ $85.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Pomona's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $157,005 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Pomona, California, can expect a median annual salary of $177,573, which is approximately 16.91% higher than the national median of $151,886. These salary estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for the local cost of living, reflect the pay structures for different facility tiers. Controllers at en route centers generally earn the highest salaries due to the complexity and responsibility of managing high-altitude air traffic, whereas those in terminal radar approach control facilities and airport traffic control towers tend to earn less. The overall salary range here varies significantly, with the lowest earners at about $102,993 and top earners reaching up to $258,957, highlighting a competitive compensation landscape for air traffic controllers in this region.
About the Pomona Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,993 | $49.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $127,852 | $61.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $177,573 | $85.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $227,294 | $109.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $258,957 | $124.50 |
Median Salary Position
16.91% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pomona
In Pomona, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $155,964 (2026 est.). At $177,573, the local median is 16.91% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pomona: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pomona Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Pomona median: $177,573/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pomona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,734 | +3.40% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +16.91% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Pomona, CA earn a median of $177,573 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.91% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.40% above the California state average of $171,734.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pomona has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pomona, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $177,573 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $157,005 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$143,791
2025 BLS Actual
$173,124
2026 Current Est.
$177,573
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pomona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $143,791 | Actual |
| 2020 | $152,477 | Actual |
| 2021 | $151,694 | Actual |
| 2022 | $154,617 | Actual |
| 2023 | $160,614 | Actual |
| 2024 | $210,444 | Actual |
| 2025 | $173,124 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $177,573 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $182,137 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pomona metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $143,791 (2019) to $173,124 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $182,137 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,346 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pomona 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) | $102,993 – $127,852 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $127,852 – $177,573 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $177,573 – $227,294 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $227,294 – $258,957 |
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 Pomona
A closer look at Pomona’s job market reveals a total of 36 air traffic controllers currently employed in the area, underscoring the demand within the industry. The local cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, which suggests that while salaries are relatively high, the purchasing power may be impacted by living expenses. Among the employers in Pomona, the FAA en route centers typically provide the highest compensation, surpassing those in terminal and tower facilities. Variability in earnings can be attributed to factors like facility tier, certification level, and additional pay opportunities related to shift differentials and overtime. Since air traffic controllers often work mandatory overtime due to staffing shortages, maximizing earnings typically involves seeking positions in higher-paying en route facilities and pursuing additional certifications that enhance their skill sets and pay potential. Understanding these dynamics in Pomona can aid aspiring controllers and help current professionals navigate their career trajectories effectively.
More salary data for Pomona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $173,124 for air traffic controllersin the Pomona 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 Pomona 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