Air Traffic Controller Salary in Victorville, CA: $169,176 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Victorville, CA earns a median $169,176/year (≈ $81.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Victorville's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $149,581 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected air traffic controller salary in Victorville for 2026 reaches a substantial $169,176, reflecting the attractive compensation associated with long hours worked at often understaffed facilities. With earnings ranging from $98,122 at the 10th percentile to $246,821 at the 90th percentile, it's evident that the financial landscape varies widely based on certification levels, such as developmentals versus fully certified professional controllers (CPCs). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for regional cost variances, offer a meaningful context when considering the overall job market within Victorville. Notably, the pay rate here is 11.38% higher than the national average, indicating a strong demand for air traffic management skills in the area.
About the Victorville Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,122 | $47.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $121,807 | $58.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $169,176 | $81.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $216,545 | $104.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $246,821 | $118.66 |
Median Salary Position
11.38% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Victorville
In Victorville, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $148,699 (2026 est.). At $169,176, the local median is 11.38% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Victorville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Victorville Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Victorville median: $169,176/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Victorville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,752 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +11.38% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Victorville, CA earn a median of $169,176 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.38% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% below the California state average of $171,752.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Victorville has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Victorville, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $169,176 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $149,581 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$136,991
2025 BLS Actual
$164,937
2026 Current Est.
$169,176
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Victorville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $136,991 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,267 | Actual |
| 2021 | $144,520 | Actual |
| 2022 | $147,305 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,019 | Actual |
| 2024 | $200,492 | Actual |
| 2025 | $164,937 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,176 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $173,524 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Victorville metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $136,991 (2019) to $164,937 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $173,524 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,533 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Victorville 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) | $98,122 – $121,807 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $121,807 – $169,176 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $169,176 – $216,545 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $216,545 – $246,821 |
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 Victorville
Employing around 30 air traffic controllers, Victorville's local job market presents opportunities that hinge on both qualifications and the specific facilities where controllers work. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the purchasing power of take-home pay becomes an essential consideration for those in this profession. While the FAA operates a variety of facilities—including terminal radar approach controls and contract towers—those assigned to higher-tier en route centers generally enjoy the most lucrative salaries. Factors that contribute to variability in controller pay include the level of the facility, CPC status, shift differentials, and abundant opportunities for overtime given persistent staffing challenges. To maximize earnings, individuals should focus on achieving CPC certification and exploring opportunities in en route facilities, which typically offer a higher base salary compared to towers or terminal facilities.
More salary data for Victorville, 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 $164,937 for air traffic controllersin the Victorville 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 Victorville 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