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Air Traffic Control Instructor Salary in California

How much does an Air Traffic Control Instructor make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Air Traffic Control Instructor in California is $130,756 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $156,300
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $119,321 to $144,127
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $108,911
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Air Traffic Control Instructor Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Air Traffic Control Instructor Salaries

An Air Traffic Control Instructor'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 Instructor Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Air Traffic Control Instructor'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): $118,626
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $93,229
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $127,971
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $163,388
  • Expert (over 8 years): $209,128
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Materials Management Analyst IV less than 1 year $118,626
Materials Management Supervisor 1-2 years $93,229
Air Traffic Control Instructor 2-4 years $127,971
Materials Management Senior Manager 5-8 years $163,388
Materials Management Director over 8 years $209,128

How Do Air Traffic Control Instructor 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 Instructors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $131,254.
  • California: $130,756.
  • Massachusetts: $129,014.

Top Paying Cities for Air Traffic Control Instructor

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: $130,981
  • West Hollywood: $130,887
  • Dodgertown: $130,980

Air Traffic Control Instructor Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Air Traffic Control Instructor roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Air Traffic Control Instructor positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Air Traffic Control Instructor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Air Traffic Control Instructor

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $196,134 $94.0 50%

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

Understanding how an Air Traffic Control Instructor'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 August 01, 2026
$119,321
Average $130,756/year
$144,127
$9,943
Average $10,896/month
$12,011
$2,295
Average $2,515/week
$2,772
$57
Average $63/hour
$69
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $144,127 $12,011 $2,772 $69
Average $130,756 $10,896 $2,515 $63
25th Percentile $119,321 $9,943 $2,295 $57

Find Your Next Air Traffic Control Instructor Job

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

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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.

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