Air Traffic Controller Salary in San Buenaventura, CA: $173,493 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in San Buenaventura, CA earns a median $173,493/year (≈ $83.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in San Buenaventura's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $153,398 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For air traffic controllers in San Buenaventura, the projected median salary in 2026 is $173,493, which exceeds the national median by approximately 14.23%. The salary range spans from $100,626 at the P10 level to $262,379 at the P90 level, indicating a robust earning potential in this profession. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations. Factors such as years of experience and facility level play significant roles in determining compensation. With a focus on executive controller pay structured over a certification timeline of 1 to 3 years, the profitability of this career option is highlighted in San Buenaventura's job market amidst growing demand.
About the San Buenaventura Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,626 | $48.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,580 | $60.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $173,493 | $83.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $222,071 | $106.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $262,379 | $126.14 |
Median Salary Position
14.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Buenaventura
In San Buenaventura, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $161,753 (2026 est.). At $173,493, the local median is 14.23% above the national median of $151,886.
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How San Buenaventura Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
San Buenaventura median: $173,493/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Buenaventura Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,775 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +14.23% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in San Buenaventura, CA earn a median of $173,493 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.23% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.00% above the California state average of $171,775.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Buenaventura has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Buenaventura, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $173,493 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $153,398 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$140,487
2025 BLS Actual
$169,146
2026 Current Est.
$173,493
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in San Buenaventura (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $140,487 | Actual |
| 2020 | $148,974 | Actual |
| 2021 | $148,208 | Actual |
| 2022 | $151,064 | Actual |
| 2023 | $156,924 | Actual |
| 2024 | $205,608 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,146 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $173,493 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $177,952 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Buenaventura metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $140,487 (2019) to $169,146 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $177,952 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,465 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Buenaventura 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) | $100,626 – $125,580 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,580 – $173,493 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $173,493 – $222,071 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $222,071 – $262,379 |
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 San Buenaventura
In terms of the local job market, San Buenaventura currently employs 19 air traffic controllers who navigate a challenging cost-of-living environment, with an index of 113.1 indicating that living expenses are above the national average. This reality impacts take-home purchasing power, making employer choice crucial. Significant earners in this area include those working in FAA en route centers, which cater to high-altitude traffic, compared to lower-paying roles in terminal control and airport traffic control towers. The pay disparity stems from various drivers, including facility level, certified professional controller (CPC) status, and potential earnings from overtime and shift differentials. For those looking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in San Buenaventura, strategies should focus on achieving CPC status, targeting higher-tier en route facilities, and opting for shifts that offer premium pay incentives.
More salary data for San Buenaventura, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in San Buenaventura, CA in 2026?
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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 $169,146 for air traffic controllersin the San Buenaventura 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 San Buenaventura 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