Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hemet, CA: $172,180 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Hemet, CA earns a median $172,180/year (≈ $82.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Hemet's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $152,237 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hemet, California, the air traffic controller salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $172,180 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $151,886 by approximately 13.36%. Salary ranges reflect this local market's dynamics, with entry-level positions starting at around $99,864 and top earners reaching up to $242,367. This varies depending on several factors such as the facility tier—levels differ significantly between en route and terminal positions versus control towers. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living considerations, revealing that controllers in Hemet are well-compensated relative to national figures, positioning the area as an attractive option for current and aspiring air traffic controllers.
About the Hemet Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,864 | $48.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $123,970 | $59.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $172,180 | $82.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $217,346 | $104.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $242,367 | $116.52 |
Median Salary Position
13.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hemet
In Hemet, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $142,503 (2026 est.). At $172,180, the local median is 13.36% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hemet: You'd be above the median
How Hemet Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Hemet median: $172,180/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hemet Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,836 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +13.36% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Hemet, CA earn a median of $172,180 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.36% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.20% above the California state average of $171,836.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hemet has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hemet, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $172,180 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $152,237 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$139,424
2025 BLS Actual
$167,866
2026 Current Est.
$172,180
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hemet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $139,424 | Actual |
| 2020 | $147,846 | Actual |
| 2021 | $147,087 | Actual |
| 2022 | $149,921 | Actual |
| 2023 | $155,736 | Actual |
| 2024 | $204,051 | Actual |
| 2025 | $167,866 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $172,180 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $176,605 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hemet metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $139,424 (2019) to $167,866 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $176,605 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,181 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hemet 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) | $99,864 – $123,970 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $123,970 – $172,180 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $172,180 – $217,346 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $217,346 – $242,367 |
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 Hemet
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Hemet reflects a strong, albeit limited, presence, with around 14 professionals currently employed. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, making the purchasing power of the air traffic controller pay in Hemet CA particularly relevant for prospective employees. Higher salaries typically align with en route facilities, which generally offer more competitive compensation compared to terminal and tower roles. Factors like CPC certification status, potential shift differentials, and mandatory overtime play substantial roles in determining overall earnings potential. For those entering the field, focusing on positions at FAA ARTCCs or pursuing experience in military air traffic control could yield higher pay, especially given the chronic staff shortages and subsequent reliance on overtime, amplifying available earning opportunities.
More salary data for Hemet, 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 $167,866 for air traffic controllersin the Hemet 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 Hemet 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