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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Air Traffic Control Operator in California is $55,136 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, an Air Traffic Control Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Air Traffic Control Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $64,943 | $5,412 | $1,249 | $31 |
| Average | $55,136 | $4,595 | $1,060 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,942 | $3,912 | $903 | $23 |
Robinson Aviation - Salinas, CA
Robinson Aviation - Modesto, CA
Robinson Aviation - Pacoima, CA
Robinson Aviation - Santa Maria, CA
An Air Traffic Control Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Air Traffic Control Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Air Traff... Level Air Traffic Control Operator | $54,415 |
| Traffic C... Level Air Traffic Control Operator | $59,975 |
| Traffic C... Level Air Traffic Control Operator | $75,104 |
| Traffic S... Level Air Traffic Control Operator | $91,080 |
| Traffic M... Level Air Traffic Control Operator | $117,790 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Air Traffic Control 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:
For Air Traffic Control Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Air Traffic Control Operator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Air Traffic Control Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $66,163 | $32.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $66,163 | $32.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $66,163 | $32.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $63,406 | $30.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $63,406 | $30.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an Air Traffic Control 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 | $64,943 | $5,412 | $1,249 | $31 |
| Average | $55,136 | $4,595 | $1,060 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,942 | $3,912 | $903 | $23 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Air Traffic Control Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Robinson Aviation
Redding, CA
Robinson Aviation | Redding, CA
Air Traffic Control Tower. Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic control duties in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Air Traffic... more
7 Days Ago
Robinson Aviation
Ramona, CA
Robinson Aviation | Ramona, CA
Air Traffic Control Tower Operator. Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic control duties in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Ai... more
7 Days Ago
Robinson Aviation
Chico, CA
Robinson Aviation | Chico, CA
Air Traffic Control Tower. Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic control duties in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Air Traffic... more
7 Days Ago
Robinson Aviation
Atwater, CA
Robinson Aviation | Atwater, CA
Air Traffic Control Tower Operator. Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic control duties in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Ai... more
7 Days Ago
Robinson Aviation
Sacramento, CA
Robinson Aviation | Sacramento, CA
Air Traffic Control Tower. Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic control duties in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Air Traffic... more
7 Days Ago
Robinson Aviation RVA Inc
Sacramento, CA
Robinson Aviation RVA Inc | Sacramento, CA
ROBINSON AVIATION (RVA), INC.POSITION DESCRIPTION TITLE:AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER Summary Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traff... more
8 Days Ago
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