Air Traffic Controller Salary in Vacaville, CA: $171,425 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Vacaville, CA earns a median $171,425/year (≈ $82.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Vacaville's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $151,569 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vacaville, California, the projected median annual salary for air traffic controllers in 2026 is estimated at $171,425, which is notably higher than the national median of $151,886. The compensation range in this area varies significantly, with salaries starting at $99,426 at the 10th percentile, and reaching up to $261,462 for those in the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from state-level BLS estimates and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight the lucrative nature of this profession in Vacaville. Notably, the pay scales can differ based on the facility type, with en route controllers generally earning more than their terminal or tower counterparts, influenced by the nature of the air traffic management process and associated responsibilities.
About the Vacaville Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,426 | $47.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $123,427 | $59.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $171,425 | $82.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $219,424 | $105.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $261,462 | $125.70 |
Median Salary Position
12.86% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vacaville
In Vacaville, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $162,036 (2026 est.). At $171,425, the local median is 12.86% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Vacaville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Vacaville Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Vacaville median: $171,425/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Vacaville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,769 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +12.86% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Vacaville, CA earn a median of $171,425 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.86% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.20% below the California state average of $171,769.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Vacaville has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Vacaville, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $171,425 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $151,569 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$138,812
2025 BLS Actual
$167,130
2026 Current Est.
$171,425
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Vacaville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $138,812 | Actual |
| 2020 | $147,198 | Actual |
| 2021 | $146,442 | Actual |
| 2022 | $149,264 | Actual |
| 2023 | $155,053 | Actual |
| 2024 | $203,157 | Actual |
| 2025 | $167,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $171,425 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $175,831 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vacaville metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $138,812 (2019) to $167,130 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $175,831 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,019 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vacaville 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) | $99,426 – $123,427 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $123,427 – $171,425 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $171,425 – $219,424 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $219,424 – $261,462 |
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 Vacaville
Employment for air traffic controllers in Vacaville reflects a stable job market, with 15 professionals currently serving in this crucial role. However, the local cost of living, indexed at 113.1, implies that take-home pay may not stretch as far as in other regions. Employers that pay particularly well include FAA en route centers overseeing high-altitude traffic and terminal radar approach control facilities managing local airspace. Factors such as facility tier, CPC certification status, and shift differentials can drive the pay scales within the region. To maximize earnings, controllers in Vacaville should consider taking advantage of additional opportunities for overtime and weekend shifts, as these can significantly enhance overall compensation, particularly given the ongoing staffing challenges within the FAA. Understanding which roles and certifications contribute most to higher pay can be pivotal for career advancement in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Vacaville, 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 $167,130 for air traffic controllersin the Vacaville 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 Vacaville 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