Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rancho Cordova, CA: $170,371 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Rancho Cordova, CA earns a median $170,371/year (≈ $81.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Rancho Cordova's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $150,637 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Consistently putting in 50-60 hour weeks due to chronic understaffing markedly elevates earnings for air traffic controllers in Rancho Cordova, where the 2026 median salary reaches $170,371. With local compensation ranging from $98,815 at the lowest (P10) to $252,796 for the top earners (P90), controllers in this area enjoy a robust financial landscape compared to national averages, outperforming the projected national median of $151,886 by 12.17%. These salary estimates are grounded in data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) state-level figures, adjusted for regional cost differentials, and reflect the unique economic circumstances of Rancho Cordova's job market.
About the Rancho Cordova Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,815 | $47.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,923 | $60.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $170,371 | $81.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $216,877 | $104.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $252,796 | $121.54 |
Median Salary Position
12.17% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rancho Cordova
In Rancho Cordova, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $153,981 (2026 est.). At $170,371, the local median is 12.17% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rancho Cordova: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rancho Cordova Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Rancho Cordova median: $170,371/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rancho Cordova Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,745 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +12.17% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Rancho Cordova, CA earn a median of $170,371 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.17% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the California state average of $171,745.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rancho Cordova has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rancho Cordova, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $170,371 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,637 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$137,958
2025 BLS Actual
$166,102
2026 Current Est.
$170,371
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Rancho Cordova (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $137,958 | Actual |
| 2020 | $146,293 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,541 | Actual |
| 2022 | $148,345 | Actual |
| 2023 | $154,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $201,907 | Actual |
| 2025 | $166,102 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $170,371 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $174,749 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rancho Cordova metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $137,958 (2019) to $166,102 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $174,749 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,791 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rancho Cordova 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) | $98,815 – $124,923 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,923 – $170,371 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $170,371 – $216,877 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $216,877 – $252,796 |
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 Rancho Cordova
The local job market currently employs 20 air traffic controllers, and despite the competitive pay environment, it's crucial to consider the cost of living index for Rancho Cordova, which stands at 113.1. This figure signifies a higher-than-average cost of living, impacting overall purchasing power. Those employed by FAA en route centers tend to command the highest salaries, thanks to the demanding nature of high-altitude traffic control. The spread between lower and higher wages here can primarily be attributed to the facility tier system, CPC certification differences, and the all-too-common overtime, which often becomes mandatory. Controllers can optimize their earnings by pursuing CPC status and exploring roles in facilities with higher pay grades, particularly by taking on night shifts or working during holidays, where differential pay can significantly enhance total compensation.
More salary data for Rancho Cordova, 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 $166,102 for air traffic controllersin the Rancho Cordova 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 Rancho Cordova 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