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Air Traffic Controller (15Q) Salary in California

How much does an Air Traffic Controller (15Q) make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Air Traffic Controller (15Q) in California is $63,945 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

However, an Air Traffic Controller (15Q)'s salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $81,749
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $57,800 to $73,264
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $52,206
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Air Traffic Controller (15Q) Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Air Traffic Controller (15Q) Salaries

An Air Traffic Controller (15Q)'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 Controller (15Q) Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Air Traffic Controller (15Q)'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): $55,894
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $62,003
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $78,071
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $87,709
  • Expert (over 8 years): $126,827
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Contact Center Traffic and Scheduling Analyst I less than 1 year $55,894
Air Traffic Controller (15Q) 1-2 years $62,003
Contact Center Traffic and Scheduling Analyst III 2-4 years $78,071
Contact Center Traffic and Scheduling Supervisor 5-8 years $87,709
Contact Center Traffic and Scheduling Manager over 8 years $126,827

How Do Air Traffic Controller (15Q) 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 Controller (15Q)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $64,188.
  • California: $63,945.
  • Massachusetts: $63,092.

Top Paying Cities for Air Traffic Controller (15Q)

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: $64,055
  • West Hollywood: $64,008
  • Dodgertown: $64,054

Air Traffic Controller (15Q) Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Air Traffic Controller (15Q) roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 43% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Air Traffic Controller (15Q) positions in Transportation or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Air Traffic Controller (15Q) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Air Traffic Controller (15Q)

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit $73,536 $35.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $71,618 $34.0 12%
Telecom $70,979 $34.0 11%
Hospitality & Leisure $70,339 $34.0 10%
Internet $69,060 $33.0 8%

Air Traffic Controller (15Q) Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Air Traffic Controller (15Q)'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
$57,800
Average $63,945/year
$73,264
$4,817
Average $5,329/month
$6,105
$1,112
Average $1,230/week
$1,409
$28
Average $31/hour
$35
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $73,264 $6,105 $1,409 $35
Average $63,945 $5,329 $1,230 $31
25th Percentile $57,800 $4,817 $1,112 $28

Find Your Next Air Traffic Controller (15Q) Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Air Traffic Controller (15Q) job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Traffic Management, Inc | Carlsbad, CA

    Traffic Controller

    Traffic Management, Inc | Carlsbad, CA

    Traffic Controller- Sacramento. Sacramento Branch - McClellan, CA 95652. Overview. Salary Range $16.90 - $36.21 Hourly Category Traffic Controllers. Descri... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Robinson Aviation | San Carlos, CA

    Air Traffic Control Specialist

    Robinson Aviation | San Carlos, CA

    Air Traffic Control Tower. Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic control duties in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Air Traffic... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Robinson Aviation | San Diego, CA

    Air Traffic Control Specialist

    Robinson Aviation | San Diego, CA

    Air Traffic Control Tower Operator. Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic control duties in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Ai... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Robinson Aviation | San Luis Obispo, CA

    Air Traffic Control Specialist

    Robinson Aviation | San Luis Obispo, CA

    Air Traffic Control Tower. Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic control duties in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Air Traffic... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Robinson Aviation | Santa Maria, CA

    Air Traffic Control Specialist

    Robinson Aviation | Santa Maria, CA

    Air Traffic Control Tower. Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic control duties in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Air Traffic... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Robinson Aviation | Redding, CA

    Air Traffic Control Specialist

    Robinson Aviation | Redding, CA

    Air Traffic Control Tower. Responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic control duties in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Air Traffic... more

    2 Days Ago

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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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