Sacramento vs Salinas: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Sacramento, CA and Salinas, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Salinas, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $201,335▲ | $174,534 |
| Hourly Rate | $96.80▲ | $83.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,887 | $101,229▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $144,716▲ | $125,665 |
| 75th Percentile | $213,879 | $223,404▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $231,480 | $266,089▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salinas.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Salinas is $26,801 (15.36%). 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 Sacramento spans $148,593,Salinas spans $164,860. Salinas has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($188,746 effective) pays 22.31% more than Salinas ($154,318 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($201,335/year)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $188,746)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Salinas if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($266,089)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Sacramento grew 30.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -17.7% growth in Salinas over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$150,230 (2019) → $196,290 (2025)
Salinas, CA
$206,841 (2024) → $170,161 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Salinas, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Sacramento or Salinas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and Salinas?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to Salinas as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Sacramento vs Salinas?
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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
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