Air Traffic Controller Salary in Woodland, CA: $173,989 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Woodland, CA earns a median $173,989/year (≈ $83.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Woodland's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $153,836 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controller salaries in Woodland, California are projected at a median annual figure of $173,989, which represents a notable increase compared to national levels. With a full salary range extending from $100,913 at the 10th percentile to $254,518 at the 90th percentile, compensation in Woodland shows a favorable local context for controllers. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional costs, further underscoring an upward trend for air traffic controller pay in Woodland CA. Given the timeline to certification as a fully qualified controller can take between one to three years, the developmental pay models also play a significant role in shaping the early earnings of those in the field, offering a critical insight into the local job market.
About the Woodland Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,913 | $48.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,273 | $60.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $173,989 | $83.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $222,706 | $107.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $254,518 | $122.37 |
Median Salary Position
14.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Woodland
In Woodland, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $153,605 (2026 est.). At $173,989, the local median is 14.55% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Woodland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Woodland Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Woodland median: $173,989/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Woodland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,757 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +14.55% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Woodland, CA earn a median of $173,989 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.55% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% above the California state average of $171,757.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Woodland has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Woodland, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $173,989 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $153,836 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$140,889
2025 BLS Actual
$169,630
2026 Current Est.
$173,989
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Woodland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $140,889 | Actual |
| 2020 | $149,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $148,632 | Actual |
| 2022 | $151,496 | Actual |
| 2023 | $157,373 | Actual |
| 2024 | $206,196 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,630 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $173,989 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $178,461 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Woodland metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $140,889 (2019) to $169,630 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $178,461 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,572 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woodland 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) | $100,913 – $125,273 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,273 – $173,989 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $173,989 – $222,706 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $222,706 – $254,518 |
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 Woodland
Air traffic controllers in Woodland enjoy a relatively stable employment environment, with 15 currently employed in the region. However, living costs, reflected in a cost-of-living index of 113.1, mean that take-home pay may not stretch as far as in less expensive regions. FAA en route centers typically offer the highest salaries, while positions in terminal radar approach control and airport traffic control towers follow suit, often influenced by facility type and controller seniority. The stark pay divide can be attributed to factors such as CPC certification status, which sees developmental controllers earning 65-75% of a fully certified counterpart's salary, and the generous overtime opportunities due to chronic staffing shortages. To maximize earnings, prospective controllers are advised to pursue positions at higher-tier facilities and stay flexible regarding shifts, as night and holiday differentials can significantly boost overall pay in this competitive market.
More salary data for Woodland, 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 $169,630 for air traffic controllersin the Woodland 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 Woodland 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