Los Angeles vs Sacramento: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $177,467 | $201,335▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $85.32 | $96.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,152 | $82,887▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $119,320 | $144,716▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $215,028▲ | $213,879 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $231,480 | $231,480 |
| Total Employed | 690▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Sacramento is $23,868 (13.45%). Sacramento's median is +32.56% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $166,328,Sacramento spans $148,593. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($188,746 effective) pays 20.78% more than Los Angeles ($156,268 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($201,335/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $188,746)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Los Angeles grew 18.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$146,060 (2019) → $173,020 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$150,230 (2019) → $196,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Los Angeles or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Sacramento as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Los Angeles vs Sacramento?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov