TransportationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Air Traffic Controller Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$308,468/yr
Typical range: $275,218 – $336,368
P90 · 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-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $208,583 | $17,382 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $237,961 | $19,830 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$308,468
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $148/hr
Next Level Target
$375,449
Principal · 14
+$67Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Air Traffic Controller salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Air Traffic Controllers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $308K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Air Traffic Controller make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $308K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $148/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.