Air Traffic Controllers Salary in California

Air traffic controllers in California earn the most in San Francisco (average $179,320 a year) and the least in Riverside ($96,750), across the 4 California metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the air traffic controllers average at $156,910 and the median at $160,080 for 2,290 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $146,490.

Air Traffic Controllers average salary by city in California

San Francisco$179,320
Sacramento$173,710
Los Angeles$156,650
Riverside$96,750

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
San Francisco	$179,320	$193,360	$153,230	$121,246	116
Sacramento	$173,710	$196,290	$141,090	$117,934	107
Los Angeles	$156,650	$173,020	$116,330	$107,860	114
Riverside	$96,750	$94,140	$77,200	$71,988	106

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Air Traffic Controllers salary in other states

Air Traffic Controllers salary by city and state

More about pay in California

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 53-2021.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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