Air Traffic Controller Salary in Santa Rosa, CA: $169,454 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Santa Rosa, CA earns a median $169,454/year (≈ $81.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Santa Rosa's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $149,827 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Santa Rosa can expect an impressive 2026 median salary of $169,454, which exceeds the national average by 11.57%. Local salaries range significantly, from $98,284 at the 10th percentile to $254,528 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the earning potential in this critical profession. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations. With air traffic control being a notably rewarding career path, professionals in Santa Rosa have access to a job market that reflects both the demands of the role and the economic landscape of the region.
About the Santa Rosa Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,284 | $47.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122,007 | $58.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $169,454 | $81.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $216,901 | $104.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $254,528 | $122.37 |
Median Salary Position
11.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Rosa
In Santa Rosa, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $156,244 (2026 est.). At $169,454, the local median is 11.57% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Rosa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Rosa Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Santa Rosa median: $169,454/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Rosa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,860 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +11.57% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Santa Rosa, CA earn a median of $169,454 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.57% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% below the California state average of $171,860.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Rosa has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Rosa, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $169,454 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $149,827 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$137,216
2025 BLS Actual
$165,208
2026 Current Est.
$169,454
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Santa Rosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $137,216 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,505 | Actual |
| 2021 | $144,758 | Actual |
| 2022 | $147,547 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $200,821 | Actual |
| 2025 | $165,208 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,454 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $173,809 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Rosa metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $137,216 (2019) to $165,208 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $173,809 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,593 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Rosa 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) | $98,284 – $122,007 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $122,007 – $169,454 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $169,454 – $216,901 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $216,901 – $254,528 |
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 Rosa
In Santa Rosa, there are currently 44 air traffic controllers employed, signaling a steady demand within this profession. However, given the local cost of living index of 113.1, which is above the national average, controllers may find that their take-home purchasing power is affected. The most lucrative opportunities often arise from employment at FAA en route centers, known for managing high-altitude traffic, which typically offer higher salaries compared to terminal and tower facilities. Certificated Professional Controllers (CPCs) can enhance their earnings through shift differentials and overtime, given the chronic understaffing in the industry since the 2013 sequester. To maximize pay in this market, new controllers should aim for facilities that offer developmental pay, establish a preference for en route positions, and consider the additional compensation that can come from working weekends and holidays.
More salary data for Santa Rosa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $165,208 for air traffic controllersin the Santa Rosa 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 Rosa 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