Air Traffic Controller Salary in San Clemente, CA: $170,833 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in San Clemente, CA earns a median $170,833/year (≈ $82.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in San Clemente's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $151,046 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in San Clemente is projected to reach a median of $170,833, which represents a notable 12.47% increase compared to the national median of $151,886. The salary range for controllers in this area spans from $99,084 at the 10th percentile to $254,412 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the tiered pay structure associated with different facility types. Controllers operating in en route Level 12 facilities generally secure higher wages than those in terminal radar approach control (TRACON) and airport traffic control towers due to the complexities and responsibilities involved. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, highlighting a robust job market particularly for certified professional controllers (CPCs) in the San Clemente area.
About the San Clemente Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,084 | $47.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $123,000 | $59.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $170,833 | $82.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $218,667 | $105.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $254,412 | $122.31 |
Median Salary Position
12.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Clemente
In San Clemente, CA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $155,328 (2026 est.). At $170,833, the local median is 12.47% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Clemente: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Clemente Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
San Clemente median: $170,833/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Clemente Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,865 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +12.47% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in San Clemente, CA earn a median of $170,833 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.47% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% below the California state average of $171,865.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Clemente has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Clemente, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $170,833 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $151,046 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$138,333
2025 BLS Actual
$166,553
2026 Current Est.
$170,833
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $138,333 | Actual |
| 2020 | $146,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,936 | Actual |
| 2022 | $148,748 | Actual |
| 2023 | $154,518 | Actual |
| 2024 | $202,455 | Actual |
| 2025 | $166,553 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $170,833 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $175,224 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Clemente metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $138,333 (2019) to $166,553 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $175,224 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,891 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Clemente 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) | $99,084 – $123,000 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $123,000 – $170,833 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $170,833 – $218,667 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $218,667 – $254,412 |
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 San Clemente
The local air traffic control job market consists of approximately 10 controllers, serving a region where the cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that living expenses are above the national average. This reality can impact the take-home purchasing power for air traffic controller pay in San Clemente CA. Among local employers, those in the FAA terminal and military sectors may provide some of the highest compensation, with the potential for significant overtime and shift differentials enhancing overall pay. The variation in earnings is driven largely by factors such as facility type, CPC certification status, and the necessity for overtime due to chronic staffing shortages. To maximize earnings, aspiring controllers should focus on obtaining CPC certifications, seeking positions at en route facilities, and capitalizing on available shift differential opportunities. Additionally, the impending mandatory retirement age for many controllers presents unique possibilities for career advancement for those entering the field.
More salary data for San Clemente, 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 $166,553 for air traffic controllersin the San Clemente 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 San Clemente 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