Air Traffic Controller Salary in Moreno Valley, CA: $173,376 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Moreno Valley, CA earns a median $173,376/year (≈ $83.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Moreno Valley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $153,294 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moreno Valley, California, air traffic controllers can expect a competitive median annual salary of $173,376 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $151,886, reflecting a 14.15% premium. The local salary range spans from $100,559 at the 10th percentile to $262,603 at the 90th percentile. These projections, based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, illustrate how Moreno Valley's salary levels cater to the nuanced tiers of the air traffic control profession, particularly with facilities like en route Level 12 centers commanding the highest compensations. Such salaries highlight the market's need for competent air traffic controllers within an area experiencing varied facility types and employment dynamics.
About the Moreno Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,559 | $48.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,831 | $60.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $173,376 | $83.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $221,921 | $106.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $262,603 | $126.25 |
Median Salary Position
14.15% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moreno Valley
In Moreno Valley, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $162,044 (2026 est.). At $173,376, the local median is 14.15% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moreno Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moreno Valley Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Moreno Valley median: $173,376/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moreno Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,830 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +14.15% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Moreno Valley, CA earn a median of $173,376 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.15% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% above the California state average of $171,830.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moreno Valley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Moreno Valley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $173,376 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $153,294 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$140,392
2025 BLS Actual
$169,032
2026 Current Est.
$173,376
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Moreno Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $140,392 | Actual |
| 2020 | $148,873 | Actual |
| 2021 | $148,108 | Actual |
| 2022 | $150,962 | Actual |
| 2023 | $156,818 | Actual |
| 2024 | $205,468 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,032 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $173,376 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $177,832 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moreno Valley metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $140,392 (2019) to $169,032 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $177,832 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,440 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moreno Valley 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) | $100,559 – $124,831 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,831 – $173,376 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $173,376 – $221,921 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $221,921 – $262,603 |
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 Moreno Valley
In terms of job opportunities, Moreno Valley boasts 53 air traffic controllers, indicating a robust local labor market. However, the cost of living index at 113.1 suggests that while salaries are higher than the national average, living expenses can impact take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, FAA en route centers tend to offer the most lucrative positions, followed closely by TRACON facilities, whereas tower positions typically provide lower pay. Factors that contribute to the variation in salaries include the type of facility, CPC certification status, and shift differentials, with opportunities for significant overtime due to chronic understaffing in the sector. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, pursuing positions in higher-tier facilities, obtaining CPC status, and taking advantage of overtime when available can significantly enhance air traffic controller pay in Moreno Valley, CA, making it an appealing destination for professionals in this critical field.
More salary data for Moreno Valley, 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 $169,032 for air traffic controllersin the Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley 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