Salary AI Book a Demo

Air Traffic Control Associate Salary in California

How much does an Air Traffic Control Associate make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Air Traffic Control Associate in California is $122,303 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.

However, an Air Traffic Control Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $157,968
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $108,948 to $140,971
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $96,789
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Air Traffic Control Associate Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Air Traffic Control Associate Salaries

An Air Traffic Control Associate's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Air Traffic Control Associate Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Air Traffic Control Associate's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $112,618
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $113,584
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $115,130
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $117,062
  • Expert (over 8 years): $121,007
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Air Traffic Control Associate less than 1 year $112,618
Early Career Level Air Traffic Control Associate 1-2 years $113,584
Mid-Level Level Air Traffic Control Associate 2-4 years $115,130
Senior-Level Level Air Traffic Control Associate 5-8 years $117,062
Expert Level Air Traffic Control Associate over 8 years $121,007

How Do Air Traffic Control Associate Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Air Traffic Control Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $122,769.
  • California: $122,303.
  • Massachusetts: $120,673.

Top Paying Cities for Air Traffic Control Associate

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $122,514
  • West Hollywood: $122,425
  • Dodgertown: $122,512

Air Traffic Control Associate Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Air Traffic Control Associate roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Education, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, Air Traffic Control Associate positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Air Traffic Control Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Air Traffic Control Associate

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Education $140,648 $68.0 15%

Air Traffic Control Associate Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Air Traffic Control Associate's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$108,948
Average $122,303/year
$140,971
$9,079
Average $10,192/month
$11,748
$2,095
Average $2,352/week
$2,711
$52
Average $59/hour
$68
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $140,971 $11,748 $2,711 $68
Average $122,303 $10,192 $2,352 $59
25th Percentile $108,948 $9,079 $2,095 $52

Find Your Next Air Traffic Control Associate Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Air Traffic Control Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • City Rise LLC | Fremont, CA

    City Rise Traffic

    City Rise LLC | Fremont, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. City Rise Traffic - Traffic Control Associate: Fremont. Hourly / Non-Exempt / Full Time. Salary Range: $24.84 - $39.21/hr... more

    10 Days Ago

  • City Rise LLC | Fresno, CA

    City Rise Traffic

    City Rise LLC | Fresno, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. City Rise Traffic - Traffic Control Associate: Fresno. Hourly / Non-Exempt / Full Time. Salary Range: $24.84 - $39.21/hr.... more

    10 Days Ago

  • City Rise LLC | Chico, CA

    City Rise Traffic

    City Rise LLC | Chico, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. City Rise Traffic - Traffic Control Associate: Chico. Hourly / Non-Exempt / Full Time. Salary Range: $24.84 - $39.21/hour... more

    10 Days Ago

  • City Rise LLC | Bakersfield, CA

    City Rise Traffic

    City Rise LLC | Bakersfield, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. City Rise Traffic - Traffic Control Associate: Bakersfield. Hourly / Non-Exempt / Full Time. Salary Range: $26.10 - $51.8... more

    10 Days Ago

  • City Rise LLC | Westminster, CA

    City Rise Traffic

    City Rise LLC | Westminster, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. City Rise Traffic - Traffic Control Associate: Westminster. Hourly / Non-Exempt / Full Time. Salary Range: $24.35 - $27.8... more

    10 Days Ago

  • City Rise LLC | Lodi, CA

    City Rise Traffic

    City Rise LLC | Lodi, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. City Rise Traffic - Traffic Control Associate: Lodi. Hourly / Non-Exempt / Full Time. Salary Range: $24.84 - $39.21/hr. S... more

    10 Days Ago

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst