Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Moreno Valley, CA: $262,603 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Moreno Valley, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $262,603/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Moreno Valley's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $232,187 in average-cost America. The 51% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Compensation for senior air traffic controllers in Moreno Valley, California, can be exceptionally lucrative. By 2026, the median annual salary is projected to reach $173,376, but top earners can command significantly higher incomes, with the upper 90th percentile pulling in as much as $262,603. The pay scale illustrates a clear delineation between the median and elite levels, indicating that attaining top-tier pay requires extensive experience, specialized skills, and often a series of strategic career decisions. The attractive figures in Moreno Valley also position local top earners favorably against national counterparts, where the highest salaries typically hover around the national median of $151,886, rendering the Moreno Valley market notably competitive.
About the Moreno Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moreno Valley
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Moreno Valley earn between $221,921 and $262,603 per year (2026 est.). This $162,044 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Moreno Valley median of $173,376 sits 14.15% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Moreno Valley | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $173,376 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $221,921 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $262,603 | $221,151 |
In Moreno Valley, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 51.46% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Moreno Valley
Advanced Certifications in California
CA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $173,376 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Moreno Valley employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Moreno Valley command premium compensation, often reaching the $221,921–$262,603 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMoreno Valley ranks #28 of 156 California cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $262,603).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Moreno Valley ($262,603) is 5.06% above the California average P90 ($249,966).
2019 BLS Actual
$209,369
2025 BLS Actual
$256,023
2026 Current Est.
$262,603
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Moreno Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $209,369 | Actual |
| 2020 | $219,414 | Actual |
| 2021 | $220,851 | Actual |
| 2022 | $225,375 | Actual |
| 2023 | $238,663 | Actual |
| 2024 | $311,056 | Actual |
| 2025 | $256,023 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $262,603 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $269,352 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Moreno Valley saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $209,369 in 2019 to $256,023 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 $269,352 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley
A variety of factors can enhance compensation for seasoned professionals in Moreno Valley. Specializations such as en route and radar, terminal radar approach control (TRACON), and traffic management coordination (TMC) are highly sought after, often leading to premium salaries that exceed the averages mentioned earlier. Working for the FAA in en route centers or TRACONs typically yields higher wages, while military air traffic controllers transitioning to FAA positions further broaden their financial prospects. Advancing along the FAA career ladder, from a developmental controller to a certified professional controller (CPC) and beyond, adds not only to a controller’s experience but also significantly to their earning potential. Additional credentials, such as passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test and completing specific training programs, can push salaries higher, even in a market like Moreno Valley where the local cost of living is above average. Non-salary benefits, including shift differentials and overtime opportunities, also play a crucial role in a senior air traffic controller's total compensation package in CA.
More salary data for Moreno Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Moreno Valley in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Moreno Valley?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Moreno Valley?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Moreno Valley?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Moreno Valley?
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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 $256,023 for air traffic controllers in the Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley 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