Average Air Traffic Controllers Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Air Traffic Controllers in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metropolitan area earn a commanding average annual salary of $172,610. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $85,220, reflecting the high demand and specialized skill set required for managing complex airspace in a major economic hub. The concentration of air traffic and the critical nature of the role in this bustling region directly contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $172,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $221,890.
- Outlook: The local job market for Air Traffic Controllers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, appears robust, supported by a dedicated workforce of 420 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.2 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting sustained demand and a specialized ecosystem for air traffic management within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Air Traffic Controllers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+102.5%above the national average.
$83
$3,319
$14,384
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 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as increasing air travel volume, evolving technological demands, and general inflation typically drive upward salary trends in specialized, high-responsibility professions.
Air Traffic Controllers Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
The salary trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while senior controllers with extensive experience and proven expertise in managing complex scenarios can expect to earn significantly more, potentially reaching the higher end of the salary spectrum. The gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies substantial career progression opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $97,610 | $46.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $129,458 | $62.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $188,930 | $90.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $215,763 | $103.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $221,890 | $106.7 |
Detailed Air Traffic Controllers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$172,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$172,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $172,610 in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is exceptionally high, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, indicating that the cost of goods and services in the region offsets the higher pay.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
0.174
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Air Traffic Controllers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.2, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area demonstrates a notable concentration of Air Traffic Controllers relative to the national average. This suggests a market where the demand for these specialized professionals is slightly higher than the typical U.S. metropolitan area, potentially leading to a more competitive environment for both employers seeking talent and controllers seeking opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Air Traffic Controllerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Air Traffic Controllers make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Air Traffic Controllers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $172,610. This typically ranges from $97,610 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 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 102.5% higher than the national median of $85,220.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Air Traffic Controllers?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Air Traffic Controllers.Air Traffic Controllers in this region earn nearly double the national average salary. While the cost of living is also at the national average, the substantial nominal salary offers significant earning potential.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Air Traffic Controllers?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Air Traffic Controllers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, is $172,610, which is substantially higher than the national average of $85,220.
What is the concentration of Air Traffic Controllers in this area?
The Location Quotient for Air Traffic Controllers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, is 1.2, indicating a 20% higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
How does the Cost of Living in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the high salary of $172,610 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite the high nominal wage.
What is the total number of Air Traffic Controllers in this region?
There are approximately 420 Air Traffic Controllers employed in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 0.174 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Air Traffic Controllers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA