Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rocklin, CA: $168,330 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Rocklin, CA earns a median $168,330/year (≈ $80.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Rocklin's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $148,833 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Rocklin is projected at a median of $168,330, reflecting a growing demand for skilled professionals in this field. A notable aspect of compensation is the substantial variability in earnings, with a salary range from $97,631 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $252,299 at the 90th percentile. This discrepancy underscores the high-pressure environment often faced in technologically advanced and understaffed control facilities that frequently require controllers to work 50-60 hour weeks. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments highlight Rocklin's competitive pay, which is roughly 10.83% higher than the national median of $151,886 for air traffic controllers in 2026. The dynamic market conditions in this city suggest that those considering a career in air traffic control may not only find a rewarding position but also an environment conducive to significant compensation growth.
About the Rocklin Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,631 | $46.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $121,198 | $58.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $168,330 | $80.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $211,597 | $101.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $252,299 | $121.30 |
Median Salary Position
10.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rocklin
In Rocklin, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $154,668 (2026 est.). At $168,330, the local median is 10.83% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rocklin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rocklin Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Rocklin median: $168,330/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rocklin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,765 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +10.83% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Rocklin, CA earn a median of $168,330 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.83% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.00% below the California state average of $171,765.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rocklin has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rocklin, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $168,330 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,833 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$136,306
2025 BLS Actual
$164,112
2026 Current Est.
$168,330
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Rocklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $136,306 | Actual |
| 2020 | $144,540 | Actual |
| 2021 | $143,797 | Actual |
| 2022 | $146,568 | Actual |
| 2023 | $152,254 | Actual |
| 2024 | $199,488 | Actual |
| 2025 | $164,112 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $168,330 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $172,656 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rocklin metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $136,306 (2019) to $164,112 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $172,656 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,350 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rocklin 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) | $97,631 – $121,198 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $121,198 – $168,330 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $168,330 – $211,597 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $211,597 – $252,299 |
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 Rocklin
Employers in Rocklin reflect a diverse range of air traffic control facilities, contributing to a robust job market for the ten air traffic controllers currently employed in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, employees face higher living expenses, necessitating a focused approach to compensation management. Among local employers, FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACON) and airport traffic control towers (ATCT) typically provide the most lucrative opportunities. Pay scales vary significantly based on facility type, CPC certification status, and shift differentials. For instance, those working evening or Sunday shifts earn a 10% and 25% premium, respectively, while holiday shifts can see rates double. Controllers looking to maximize their earnings in Rocklin should consider actively pursuing overtime, seeking higher-tier facilities, and acquiring necessary certifications to leverage their skills effectively in a competitive landscape.
More salary data for Rocklin, 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 $164,112 for air traffic controllersin the Rocklin 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 Rocklin 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