Air Traffic Controller Salary in Yucaipa, CA: $170,534 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Yucaipa, CA earns a median $170,534/year (≈ $81.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Yucaipa's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $150,782 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Yucaipa, California, can expect a median annual salary of $170,534, which represents a notable increment compared to the national average of $151,886. The salary range for these positions is broad, from $98,909 at the 10th percentile to $253,801 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant variance depending on the controller's experience, facility type, and certification status. These estimates are informed by BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price differences, placing Yucaipa on a solid footing within the competitive market for air traffic control professionals. In this area, controllers primarily work in higher-tier en route centers or terminal facilities, which tend to offer higher compensation compared to smaller tower operations, shaping the local salary landscape accordingly.
About the Yucaipa Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,909 | $47.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,239 | $60.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $170,534 | $81.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $218,283 | $104.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $253,801 | $122.02 |
Median Salary Position
12.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Yucaipa
In Yucaipa, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $154,892 (2026 est.). At $170,534, the local median is 12.28% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Yucaipa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Yucaipa Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Yucaipa median: $170,534/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Yucaipa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,736 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +12.28% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Yucaipa, CA earn a median of $170,534 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.28% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% below the California state average of $171,736.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Yucaipa has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Yucaipa, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $170,534 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,782 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$138,090
2025 BLS Actual
$166,261
2026 Current Est.
$170,534
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Yucaipa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $138,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $146,433 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $148,487 | Actual |
| 2023 | $154,247 | Actual |
| 2024 | $202,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $166,261 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $170,534 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $174,917 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Yucaipa metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $138,090 (2019) to $166,261 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $174,917 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,827 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Yucaipa 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) | $98,909 – $125,239 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,239 – $170,534 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $170,534 – $218,283 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $218,283 – $253,801 |
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 Yucaipa
As of 2026, the local job market features 14 air traffic controllers, making competition for positions a vital consideration for aspiring professionals. Living costs in Yucaipa are reflected in a cost-of-living index of 113.1, suggesting that while salaries are robust, purchasing power is somewhat mitigated by expenses. The FAA en route centers typically pay the highest salaries among local employers, notably outpacing terminal radar approach controls and airport traffic control towers. Factors contributing to the wage disparity include the facility level, CPC certification, and available shift differentials. To maximize potential earnings in Yucaipa's market, controllers should seek certification as CPCs and be willing to take advantage of shifts with better pay, especially nights and weekends. Given the ongoing staffing challenges in air traffic control post-2013, controllers often find ample opportunities for overtime, which can further enhance their overall compensation.
More salary data for Yucaipa, 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 $166,261 for air traffic controllersin the Yucaipa 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 Yucaipa 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