Air Traffic Controller Salary in Salinas, CA: $174,534 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Salinas, CA earns a median $174,534/year (≈ $83.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Salinas's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $154,318 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salinas, California, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median salary of $174,534 in 2026, which represents an impressive 14.91% increase compared to the national median. The salary range for this profession in Salinas is broad, with entry-level positions starting at $101,229 (P10) and experienced controllers potentially earning as much as $266,089 (P90). These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and take local cost adjustments into account, reflecting both the value and demand for skilled controllers in the area. Given the expected growth rate of 2.57% annually, it's an advantageous time for individuals considering a career in air traffic control, especially in a city that traditionally supports such federal employment opportunities.
About the Salinas Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,229 | $48.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,665 | $60.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $174,534 | $83.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $223,404 | $107.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $266,089 | $127.93 |
Median Salary Position
14.91% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salinas
In Salinas, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $164,860 (2026 est.). At $174,534, the local median is 14.91% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salinas: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salinas Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Salinas median: $174,534/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salinas Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,786 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +14.91% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Salinas, CA earn a median of $174,534 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.91% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.60% above the California state average of $171,786.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salinas has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salinas, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $174,534 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $154,318 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$141,330
2025 BLS Actual
$170,161
2026 Current Est.
$174,534
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Salinas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $141,330 | Actual |
| 2020 | $149,868 | Actual |
| 2021 | $149,098 | Actual |
| 2022 | $151,971 | Actual |
| 2023 | $157,865 | Actual |
| 2024 | $206,841 | Actual |
| 2025 | $170,161 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $174,534 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $179,020 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salinas metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $141,330 (2019) to $170,161 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $179,020 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,690 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salinas 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) | $101,229 – $125,665 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,665 – $174,534 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $174,534 – $223,404 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $223,404 – $266,089 |
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 Salinas
The local job market in Salinas supports approximately 29 air traffic controllers, indicating a stable demand for these essential professionals. The cost of living index of 113.1 suggests that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be impacted by the relatively higher living costs in the area. Among Salinas employers, the FAA's en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities typically offer the most attractive pay structures, with factors such as CPC certification status playing a considerable role in earnings potential. Controllers can further enhance their compensation through shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and strategic career moves within the tiered facility system. Overall, those aiming to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Salinas, CA should pursue additional certifications, seek facilities known for higher pay scales, and remain flexible in scheduling to benefit from abundant overtime.
More salary data for Salinas, 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 $170,161 for air traffic controllersin the Salinas 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 Salinas 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