Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rancho Cucamonga, CA: $174,131 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Rancho Cucamonga, CA earns a median $174,131/year (≈ $83.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Rancho Cucamonga's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $153,962 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Rancho Cucamonga, California, can expect a median annual salary of $174,131, representing a substantial 14.65% increase over the national median of $151,886. The salary range for local controllers spans from $100,996 at the 10th percentile to $252,914 at the 90th percentile, showcasing significant earning potential driven by extensive overtime opportunities. The local pay landscape is shaped by various factors, including the chronic understaffing problems many facilities face, often leading controllers to work 50-60 hour weeks. This structure effectively enhances compensation, as controllers in Rancho Cucamonga operate not just in a regional capacity, but also within a broader national context that influences their earning potential.
About the Rancho Cucamonga Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,996 | $48.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $126,803 | $60.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $174,131 | $83.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $222,888 | $107.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $252,914 | $121.60 |
Median Salary Position
14.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rancho Cucamonga
In Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $151,918 (2026 est.). At $174,131, the local median is 14.65% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rancho Cucamonga: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rancho Cucamonga Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Rancho Cucamonga median: $174,131/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rancho Cucamonga Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,727 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +14.65% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Rancho Cucamonga, CA earn a median of $174,131 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.65% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% above the California state average of $171,727.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rancho Cucamonga has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $174,131 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $153,962 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$141,003
2025 BLS Actual
$169,768
2026 Current Est.
$174,131
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Rancho Cucamonga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $141,003 | Actual |
| 2020 | $149,521 | Actual |
| 2021 | $148,753 | Actual |
| 2022 | $151,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $157,501 | Actual |
| 2024 | $206,364 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,768 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $174,131 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $178,606 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rancho Cucamonga metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $141,003 (2019) to $169,768 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $178,606 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,603 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rancho Cucamonga 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) | $100,996 – $126,803 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $126,803 – $174,131 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $174,131 – $222,888 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $222,888 – $252,914 |
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 Cucamonga
As of recent data, the job market for air traffic controllers in Rancho Cucamonga is relatively stable, with approximately 46 individuals currently employed in the field. However, the cost of living index in the area stands at 113.1, indicating that expenses exceed the national average. This scenario necessitates a focused approach to maximizing take-home income, particularly for controllers navigating salary variations depending on their facility type. Those employed at FAA en route centers, for instance, tend to earn more than their counterparts at terminal radar approach control facilities and airport traffic control towers. Pay disparities also arise from factors such as CPC certification status, shift differentials, and the abundance of mandatory overtime. To secure higher compensation, controllers should consider pursuing advanced certifications, applying for positions at top-tier facilities, and being willing to take on overtime shifts, particularly during peak traffic periods, to maximize their take-home pay in Rancho Cucamonga.
More salary data for Rancho Cucamonga, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Rancho Cucamonga, CA in 2026?
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Rancho Cucamonga?
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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 $169,768 for air traffic controllersin the Rancho Cucamonga 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 Cucamonga 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