Sacramento vs San Rafael: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Rafael, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Rafael, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $201,335▲ | $174,289 |
| Hourly Rate | $96.80▲ | $83.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,887 | $101,088▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $144,716▲ | $125,488 |
| 75th Percentile | $213,879 | $222,668▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $231,480 | $249,100▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Rafael.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Rafael is $27,046 (15.52%). 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,San Rafael spans $148,012. Sacramento 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 22.48% more than San Rafael ($154,102 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 San Rafael if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($249,100)
- ✓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 San Rafael over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$150,230 (2019) → $196,290 (2025)
San Rafael, CA
$206,551 (2024) → $169,922 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Rafael, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Sacramento or San Rafael?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Rafael?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Rafael as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Sacramento vs San Rafael?
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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