Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Davis, CA: $238,513 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Davis, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $238,513/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Davis's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $210,887 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Davis, California, senior air traffic controllers can anticipate a median annual salary of $166,249 in 2026. This figure reflects a substantial earning potential, particularly for those at the upper echelon, with the top earners (P90) expecting to make as much as $238,513. Notably, this peak is approximately 9.46% higher than the national top air traffic controller salary, indicating that seasoned professionals in Davis are well-compensated compared to their peers nationwide. The variance between the median and top earner figures illustrates a significant experience premium, which is often achieved through a combination of advanced training, tenure in the field, and strategic positioning within the air traffic control hierarchy. Attaining such levels of compensation typically requires extensive experience and often involves moving into specialized roles that command higher pay.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Davis earn between $212,798 and $238,513 per year (2026 est.). This $142,089 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Davis median of $166,249 sits 9.46% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Davis | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $166,249 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $212,798 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $238,513 | $221,151 |
In Davis, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 43.47% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Davis
Advanced Certifications in California
CA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $166,249 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Davis employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Davis command premium compensation, often reaching the $212,798–$238,513 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Davis metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Davis with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Davis
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDavis ranks #144 of 156 California cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $238,513).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Davis ($238,513) is 4.58% below the California average P90 ($249,966).
2019 BLS Actual
$190,162
2025 BLS Actual
$232,537
2026 Current Est.
$238,513
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $190,162 | Actual |
| 2020 | $199,287 | Actual |
| 2021 | $200,592 | Actual |
| 2022 | $204,701 | Actual |
| 2023 | $216,769 | Actual |
| 2024 | $282,521 | Actual |
| 2025 | $232,537 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $238,513 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $244,643 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Davis saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $190,162 in 2019 to $232,537 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $244,643 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Davis
Specializations play a vital role in determining compensation levels for senior air traffic controllers in Davis. Those focused on en route and radar operations, which oversee high-altitude air traffic, are often among the highest earners. Terminal radar and tower operations also present lucrative opportunities, particularly for controllers within larger metropolitan areas. Employment type significantly influences pay structures; for instance, federal facilities like FAA en route centers can offer higher salaries than contracts for smaller regional airports. Additionally, controllers might pursue leadership positions, progressing from developmental controller to management roles such as ATC manager or facility manager, each step promising enhanced pay and responsibilities. Advanced qualifications, including certifications and specialized training, drive salary growth, especially as compensation is further amplified by shift differentials and abundant overtime, a common scenario given the ongoing staffing challenges in this sector.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Davis in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Davis?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Davis?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Davis?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Davis?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $232,537 for air traffic controllers in the Davis metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Davis 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