Air Traffic Controller Salary in Baldwin Park, CA: $167,487 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Baldwin Park, CA earns a median $167,487/year (≈ $80.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Baldwin Park's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $148,088 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Baldwin Park, California, air traffic controllers command a competitive annual salary that reflects the demanding nature of their work and the ongoing staffing challenges faced in the industry. With a projected median salary of $167,487 for 2026, controllers in this region earn more than their national counterparts, who average $151,886 annually. Moreover, the salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with figures spanning from $97,142 at the 10th percentile to $242,834 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions in Baldwin Park, where the air traffic controller pay is notably influenced by the frequent requirement for overtime, as controllers regularly work 50 to 60 hours a week due to persistent understaffing in facilities.
About the Baldwin Park Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,142 | $46.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $120,591 | $57.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $167,487 | $80.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $214,383 | $103.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $242,834 | $116.75 |
Median Salary Position
10.27% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Baldwin Park
In Baldwin Park, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $145,692 (2026 est.). At $167,487, the local median is 10.27% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Baldwin Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Baldwin Park Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Baldwin Park median: $167,487/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Baldwin Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,781 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +10.27% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Baldwin Park, CA earn a median of $167,487 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.27% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.50% below the California state average of $171,781.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Baldwin Park has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Baldwin Park, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $167,487 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,088 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$135,623
2025 BLS Actual
$163,290
2026 Current Est.
$167,487
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Baldwin Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $135,623 | Actual |
| 2020 | $143,816 | Actual |
| 2021 | $143,077 | Actual |
| 2022 | $145,834 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,491 | Actual |
| 2024 | $198,489 | Actual |
| 2025 | $163,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $167,487 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $171,791 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Baldwin Park metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $135,623 (2019) to $163,290 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $171,791 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,168 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baldwin Park metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $97,142 – $120,591 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $120,591 – $167,487 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $167,487 – $214,383 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $214,383 – $242,834 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Baldwin Park
The local market for air traffic controllers in Baldwin Park includes 19 employed individuals within this critical profession. However, the cost of living in the area is 13.1% above the national average, driven by a cost-of-living index of 113.1. Controllers working in FAA en route centers often receive the highest compensation, as these facilities manage substantial air traffic and require the most expertise. Factors contributing to the variation in pay include the facility tier system, with en route positions typically offering higher salaries than terminal and tower roles, as well as the certification levels of controllers, which significantly impact earnings. Strategies for maximizing pay in Baldwin Park should focus on pursuing CPC certification, engaging in voluntary overtime, and seeking positions that include shift differentials or traffic management roles. In a market constrained by staffing shortages, these approaches not only enhance earnings but also solidify career stability in air traffic control.
More salary data for Baldwin Park, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $163,290 for air traffic controllersin the Baldwin Park metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Baldwin Park is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov