Air Traffic Controller Salary in Santa Clarita, CA: $175,513 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Santa Clarita, CA earns a median $175,513/year (≈ $84.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Santa Clarita's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $155,184 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Clarita, California, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $175,513 in 2026, reflecting a competitive edge over the national average of $151,886. This figure encompasses a wide salary spectrum, ranging from $101,798 at the 10th percentile to $270,291 at the 90th percentile, which speaks to the significant impact of overtime in a context where facilities often operate understaffed. Local salary estimates, derived from state-level BLS data along with regional cost adjustments, highlight how working 50-60 hour weeks can enhance overall compensation. With a small but vital workforce of 41 air traffic controllers in the area, job seekers may find that Santa Clarita's unique demands create compelling opportunities for financial growth in this field.
About the Santa Clarita Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,798 | $48.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $126,369 | $60.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $175,513 | $84.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $224,656 | $108.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $270,291 | $129.95 |
Median Salary Position
15.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Clarita
In Santa Clarita, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $168,493 (2026 est.). At $175,513, the local median is 15.56% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Clarita: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Clarita Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Santa Clarita median: $175,513/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Clarita Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,734 | +2.20% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +15.56% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Santa Clarita, CA earn a median of $175,513 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.56% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% above the California state average of $171,734.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Clarita has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Clarita, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $175,513 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $155,184 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$142,122
2025 BLS Actual
$171,115
2026 Current Est.
$175,513
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Santa Clarita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $142,122 | Actual |
| 2020 | $150,708 | Actual |
| 2021 | $149,934 | Actual |
| 2022 | $152,823 | Actual |
| 2023 | $158,751 | Actual |
| 2024 | $208,002 | Actual |
| 2025 | $171,115 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $175,513 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $180,023 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Clarita metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $142,122 (2019) to $171,115 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $180,023 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,901 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Clarita 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) | $101,798 – $126,369 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $126,369 – $175,513 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $175,513 – $224,656 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $224,656 – $270,291 |
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 Santa Clarita
Analyzing the air traffic controller pay in Santa Clarita, CA reveals some critical factors regarding local salaries and living costs. The cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, which indicates a higher expense for essentials, thereby affecting take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, FAA en route centers typically offer the highest pay, followed by terminal radar approach controls and airport traffic control towers. Pay disparities primarily stem from facility levels, certification status, and shift differentials. Strategic choices, such as pursuing a Controller Pilot License (CPC) or taking positions at busier facilities, can lead to increased earnings. Additionally, controllers can enhance their salaries significantly through overtime opportunities, especially given the current staffing challenges. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for aspiring controllers in Santa Clarita aiming to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Santa Clarita, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Santa Clarita, CA in 2026?
Is Santa Clarita, CA a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Santa Clarita?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Santa Clarita?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Santa Clarita?
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 $171,115 for air traffic controllersin the Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita 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