Transportation & Logistics Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Sacramento, California

The median air traffic controller salary in Sacramento, CA is $162,108 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$162,108
vs State Avg
$-27,476
vs National
+$24,728
Cost of Living
118%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median air traffic controller salary of $162,108, which is $27,476 below the California state average of $189,584. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $162,108 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Sacramento spans from $96,760 at the 10th percentile to $233,640 at the 90th percentile — a $136,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $100,300, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $224,200. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $100,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $224,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$100,300
+$15,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$165,200
+$25,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$224,200
+$34,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $96,760
25th Percentile $127,440
Median (50th) $162,108
75th Percentile $206,500
90th Percentile $233,640

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$250,032
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$230,798
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$200,575
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$195,080
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Sacramento

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Sacramento and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Sacramento, California is $162,108 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $96,760 (10th percentile) to $233,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $162,108, a air traffic controller in Sacramento earns approximately $78 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Sacramento's median air traffic controller salary of $162,108 is 14.5% below the California state average of $189,584. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $162,108 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Sacramento? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Sacramento require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.