Air Traffic Controller Salary in Menifee, CA: $170,606 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Menifee, CA earns a median $170,606/year (≈ $82.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Menifee's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $150,845 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Menifee, CA, can expect a median annual salary of $170,606, significantly surpassing the national median of $151,886. The compensation range is notable, extending from $98,951 at the 10th percentile to $252,221 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the different levels within the tier system of air traffic control: en route, terminal, and tower facilities. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities give a detailed picture of the pay landscape. Controllers at en route centers can command higher salaries because of the complexity and volume they manage, indicating strong potential for job seekers looking to enter the field in Menifee.
About the Menifee Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,951 | $47.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122,836 | $59.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $170,606 | $82.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $218,376 | $104.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $252,221 | $121.26 |
Median Salary Position
12.33% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Menifee
In Menifee, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $153,270 (2026 est.). At $170,606, the local median is 12.33% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Menifee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Menifee Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Menifee median: $170,606/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Menifee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,808 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +12.33% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Menifee, CA earn a median of $170,606 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.33% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% below the California state average of $171,808.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Menifee has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Menifee, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $170,606 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,845 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$138,149
2025 BLS Actual
$166,331
2026 Current Est.
$170,606
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Menifee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $138,149 | Actual |
| 2020 | $146,494 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,742 | Actual |
| 2022 | $148,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $154,312 | Actual |
| 2024 | $202,186 | Actual |
| 2025 | $166,331 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $170,606 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $174,990 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Menifee metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $138,149 (2019) to $166,331 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $174,990 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,841 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Menifee 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) | $98,951 – $122,836 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $122,836 – $170,606 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $170,606 – $218,376 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $218,376 – $252,221 |
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 Menifee
Despite a modest local workforce of 20 air traffic controllers, the demand for skilled professionals remains robust, especially given the relatively high cost of living in the area, with a cost-of-living index of 113.1. This index suggests that take-home purchasing power could be impacted, especially for those new to the profession. Among various employers, en route centers typically offer the highest salaries, with additional compensation opportunities available through CPC certification, shift differentials, and abundant overtime due to chronic staffing shortages. Aspiring controllers in Menifee should focus on gaining CPC certification and be open to flexible scheduling to maximize their earnings potential in this competitive market. Understanding the tier structure and preparing for the unique demands of each facility type can greatly enhance their prospects and financial stability.
More salary data for Menifee, 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 $166,331 for air traffic controllersin the Menifee 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 Menifee 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