Air Traffic Controller Salary in Visalia, CA: $173,382 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Visalia, CA earns a median $173,382/year (≈ $83.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Visalia's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $153,300 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Visalia, California, air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median annual salary of $173,382 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $151,886, representing a 14.15% premium for local professionals in this field. The salary range spans from $100,562 at the 10th percentile to $261,504 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variability based on experience and positioning within the facility tier system. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, highlight the compensation landscape in Visalia. This compensation framework is particularly influenced by the distinct tiers of air traffic control facilities, with en route centers generally offering the highest pay rates compared to terminal and tower facilities.
About the Visalia Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,562 | $48.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,376 | $60.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $173,382 | $83.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $221,930 | $106.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $261,504 | $125.72 |
Median Salary Position
14.15% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Visalia
In Visalia, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $160,942 (2026 est.). At $173,382, the local median is 14.15% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Visalia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Visalia Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Visalia median: $173,382/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Visalia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,836 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +14.15% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Visalia, CA earn a median of $173,382 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.15% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% above the California state average of $171,836.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Visalia has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Visalia, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $173,382 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $153,300 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$140,397
2025 BLS Actual
$169,038
2026 Current Est.
$173,382
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Visalia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $140,397 | Actual |
| 2020 | $148,879 | Actual |
| 2021 | $148,114 | Actual |
| 2022 | $150,968 | Actual |
| 2023 | $156,824 | Actual |
| 2024 | $205,476 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,038 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $173,382 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $177,838 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Visalia metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $140,397 (2019) to $169,038 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $177,838 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,441 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Visalia 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) | $100,562 – $125,376 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,376 – $173,382 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $173,382 – $221,930 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $221,930 – $261,504 |
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 Visalia
The local market for air traffic controllers in Visalia supports a workforce of 35 individuals, which reflects a stable yet competitive environment for those entering the field. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, controllers may find their purchasing power tested, emphasizing the importance of maximizing salary potential. Among the employers in Visalia, FAA en route centers typically offer superior compensation, followed by terminal radar approach controls and airport traffic control towers. The disparity in air traffic controller pay in Visalia can be attributed to various factors, including facility type, certification status, shift differentials, and the occurrence of mandatory overtime, which has become a fixture due to chronic staffing shortages across the FAA system. For those aiming to increase their earning potential, pursuing positions in higher-paying facilities, obtaining CPC certification, and leveraging opportunities for overtime could serve as effective strategies in navigating the local pay landscape.
More salary data for Visalia, 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 $169,038 for air traffic controllersin the Visalia 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 Visalia 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