TransportationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Air Traffic Controller Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$208,583/yr
Typical range: $176,395 – $275,218
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Air Traffic Controller salary by experience level in San Francisco
Air Traffic Controller Salary Progression in San Francisco
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $149,827 | $12,486 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $185,081 | $15,423 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $208,583 | $17,382 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $237,961 | $19,830 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $308,468 | $25,706 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $375,449 | $31,287 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $392,195 | $32,683 | +162% |
Current Salary
$208,583
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $100/hr
Next Level Target
$237,961
Senior · 6
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Air Traffic Controller salary in San Francisco, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Air Traffic Controllers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $209K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Air Traffic Controller make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $209K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $100/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Air Traffic Controller in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Air Traffic Controller in San Francisco, CA earns $275K–$336K/yr.