Air Traffic Controller Salary in South Gate, CA: $169,214 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in South Gate, CA earns a median $169,214/year (≈ $81.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in South Gate's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $149,615 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in South Gate, California, are set to earn a median annual salary of $169,214. The effective compensation can be notably enhanced through overtime as controllers often work 50-60 hour weeks at understaffed facilities, making overtime a significant contributor to total earnings. Salaries for air traffic controllers in the area range from $98,144 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $249,211 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse earnings potential shaped by factors such as facility type and certification status. These figures, derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, indicate that South Gate’s air traffic controller pay exceeds the national median by approximately 11.41%, illustrating the competitive job market within this sector.
About the South Gate Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,144 | $47.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $121,834 | $58.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $169,214 | $81.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $216,594 | $104.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $249,211 | $119.81 |
Median Salary Position
11.41% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Gate
In South Gate, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $151,067 (2026 est.). At $169,214, the local median is 11.41% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Gate: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Gate Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
South Gate median: $169,214/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Gate Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,791 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +11.41% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in South Gate, CA earn a median of $169,214 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.41% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% below the California state average of $171,791.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Gate has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Gate, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $169,214 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $149,615 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$137,022
2025 BLS Actual
$164,974
2026 Current Est.
$169,214
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in South Gate (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $137,022 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,299 | Actual |
| 2021 | $144,553 | Actual |
| 2022 | $147,338 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,053 | Actual |
| 2024 | $200,536 | Actual |
| 2025 | $164,974 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,214 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $173,563 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Gate metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $137,022 (2019) to $164,974 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $173,563 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,541 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Gate 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) | $98,144 – $121,834 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $121,834 – $169,214 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $169,214 – $216,594 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $216,594 – $249,211 |
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 South Gate
The local employment scene features 25 air traffic controllers who face a cost of living index of 113.1, meaning expenses are above the national average. This cost factor highlights the importance of negotiating salaries and pursuing positions at higher-paying facilities. Among the most lucrative employers in the area are FAA en route centers, which generally offer higher salaries than terminal facilities or control towers due to the complexities involved in managing air traffic at higher altitudes. Controllers can maximize their pay through strategies such as achieving Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, which unlocks developmental pay, and pursuing overtime opportunities, especially given the ongoing staffing shortages. Additionally, understanding factors like shift differentials for night and weekend work can also significantly impact overall compensation. The South Gate air traffic controller job market offers various paths for those willing to maximize their potential in a sector marked by competitive pay and consistent demand.
More salary data for South Gate, 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 $164,974 for air traffic controllersin the South Gate 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 South Gate 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