Air Traffic Controller Salary in Perris, CA: $167,921 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Perris, CA earns a median $167,921/year (≈ $80.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Perris's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $148,471 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Perris, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $167,921, placing them above the national median of $151,886 by approximately 10.56%. The salary range varies significantly, with entry-level controllers starting at around $97,394 and experienced professionals earning as much as $244,756. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 and adjusted for local economic conditions. With air traffic controllers classified into various tiers depending on their certification and facility type, the earnings potential is strongly influenced by a controller's experience and the specific operational demands of their workplace. This labor market offers intriguing opportunities for those considering a career in air traffic control.
About the Perris Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,394 | $46.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $120,903 | $58.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $167,921 | $80.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $214,940 | $103.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $244,756 | $117.67 |
Median Salary Position
10.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Perris
In Perris, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $147,362 (2026 est.). At $167,921, the local median is 10.56% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Perris: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Perris Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Perris median: $167,921/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Perris Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,699 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +10.56% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Perris, CA earn a median of $167,921 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.56% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% below the California state average of $171,699.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Perris has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Perris, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $167,921 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,471 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$135,975
2025 BLS Actual
$163,714
2026 Current Est.
$167,921
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Perris (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $135,975 | Actual |
| 2020 | $144,189 | Actual |
| 2021 | $143,449 | Actual |
| 2022 | $146,213 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,884 | Actual |
| 2024 | $199,005 | Actual |
| 2025 | $163,714 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $167,921 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $172,237 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Perris metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $135,975 (2019) to $163,714 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $172,237 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,262 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Perris 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) | $97,394 – $120,903 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $120,903 – $167,921 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $167,921 – $214,940 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $214,940 – $244,756 |
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 Perris
While there are currently 12 air traffic controllers employed in Perris, the cost of living index at 113.1 indicates that housing and daily expenses are somewhat higher than the national average. For those entering the profession, understanding the dynamics of local employers is crucial; positions within FAA en route centers typically offer the highest pay, followed by terminal radar approach control facilities and air traffic control towers. Factors such as CPC certification, which can affect pay by 25-35% during developmental stages, play a significant role in overall compensation. Moreover, potential controllers looking to maximize their air traffic controller salary in Perris should consider facilities that provide shift differentials and ample overtime opportunities, especially given the chronic staffing shortages in the industry. This deepens the incentives for applicants who are prepared to navigate the training and certification pathways.
More salary data for Perris, 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 $163,714 for air traffic controllersin the Perris 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 Perris 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