Average Air Traffic Controllers Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Air Traffic Controllers in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area earn a substantial average annual salary of $152,740. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $85,220, indicating a strong demand and specialized skill requirement within this major metropolitan hub. The elevated compensation is likely driven by the complexity of managing high-volume air traffic in one of the nation's busiest airspace regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $152,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $221,890.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 670 Air Traffic Controllers and a Location Quotient of 0.74, the job market in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim presents a moderately concentrated but stable employment landscape. While not exceeding the national average concentration, the sheer volume of jobs per 1,000 workers (0.108) suggests consistent operational needs for skilled professionals in this vital sector.
Salary Overview
The average Air Traffic Controllers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns+79.2%above the national average.
$73.4
$2,937
$12,728
Air Traffic Controllers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Air Traffic Controllers in a major metropolitan area like Los Angeles have experienced steady growth over the past four years. Factors such as increasing air travel demand, technological advancements requiring specialized training, and the inherent complexities of managing busy airspace typically contribute to upward salary trends in this critical profession.
Air Traffic Controllers Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Salary progression for Air Traffic Controllers is strongly tied to experience and the level of responsibility held. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior controllers with extensive experience and the ability to manage more complex scenarios can earn significantly more. The percentile distribution of salaries, though not detailed here, would reflect this upward trajectory, with higher earners representing those with advanced skills and years of dedicated service.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $62,170 | $29.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $114,555 | $55.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $169,230 | $81.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $190,925 | $91.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $221,890 | $106.7 |
Detailed Air Traffic Controllers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$152,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$152,740
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $152,740 in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Air Traffic Controller's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the typical premium associated with high-paying jobs in expensive cities.
Job Market Context
670
Total Jobs
0.108
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has 0.74x the national average concentration of Air Traffic Controllers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.74 for Air Traffic Controllers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim suggests that the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average. This indicates that while the area employs a significant number of controllers, the job market is not disproportionately saturated compared to other regions, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled individuals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Air Traffic Controllers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Air Traffic Controllers Salary | $93,440↓ 39% | 49 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Hiring Air Traffic Controllerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Air Traffic Controllers make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Air Traffic Controllers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $152,740. This typically ranges from $62,170 for entry-level positions to $221,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 79.2% higher than the national median of $85,220.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Air Traffic Controllers?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Air Traffic Controllers.The average salary of $152,740 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, providing excellent purchasing power.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Air Traffic Controllers?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($93,440) and others.
How does the Los Angeles Air Traffic Controller salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Air Traffic Controllers in Los Angeles is $152,740, which is significantly higher than the national average of $85,220.
What is the Cost of Living in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA for Air Traffic Controllers?
The Cost of Living Index for Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has average purchasing power.
How many Air Traffic Controllers work in the Los Angeles area?
There are approximately 670 Air Traffic Controllers employed in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Air Traffic Controllers in Los Angeles competitive?
With a Location Quotient of 0.74, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a balanced demand for skilled professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 670 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 0.108 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Air Traffic Controllers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- All Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Management Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Browse All Jobs in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Air Traffic Controllers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA