As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Control Tower Operator in California is $53,986 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Control Tower Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Control Tower Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $60,868 | $5,072 | $1,171 | $29 |
| Average | $53,986 | $4,499 | $1,038 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,028 | $4,252 | $981 | $25 |
Joseph Farms - Atwater, CA
Hilmar Cheese Company - Hilmar, CA
Maersk - Los Angeles, CA
Hilmar Cheese Company - Hilmar, CA
A Control Tower Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Control Tower Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Control Tower Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $60,868 | $5,072 | $1,171 | $29 |
| Average | $53,986 | $4,499 | $1,038 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,028 | $4,252 | $981 | $25 |
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