TransportationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$129,940/yr
Typical range: $125,170 – $152,981
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $129,940 | $10,828 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $160,514 | $13,376 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $180,897 | $15,075 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $206,375 | $17,198 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $267,523 | $22,294 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $325,614 | $27,135 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $340,137 | $28,345 | +162% |
Current Salary
$129,940
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $62/hr
Next Level Target
$160,514
Junior · 2
+$31Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Air Traffic Controller salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level Air Traffic Controllers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $130K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Air Traffic Controller make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $130K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $62/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Air Traffic Controller in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Air Traffic Controller in San Francisco, CA earns $239K–$292K/yr.