Explore More Salaries
Browse our database for salaries in other careers or locations.
Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal) Salary in Palo Alto, CA
How much does an Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal) make in Palo Alto, CA?
$90,193 (USD)/year
Average Bonus
$4,374 (USD)
per Year
Total Compensation
$93,341.36
Entry Level
$62,486
Median
$88,967
Senior Level
$102,251
As of July, 23, 2026, the average air traffic controller (non-federal) gross salary in Palo Alto, California is $90,193 or an equivalent hourly rate of $43. In addition, air traffic controller (non-federal)s earn an average bonus of $4,374. An entry level air traffic controller (non-federal) with 1-3 years of experience earns an average salary of $62,486. At the higher end of the pay range, an senior level air traffic controller (non-federal) with 8+ years of experience earns an average salary of $102,251. Salary estimates are based on salary survey data collected directly from employers in Palo Alto, California.
Data powered by ERI
Salary Potential for an Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal)
Explore the estimated salary growth for an Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal) in Palo Alto, CA for up to 5 years. The estimated salary of an Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal) will be $92,520 in 1 year and $102,446 in 5 years.
View Salary by Year
Estimated Salary
$94,908
Average Growth
5.2 %
The estimated salary for an Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal) in 2 years is $94,908, which is 5.2 % average growth. This information is based on ERI's compensation database.
Typical Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal) Education
This chart displays the highest level of education for Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal)s.
- 0% of Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal)s have less than a High School Diploma
- 57% of Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal)s have a High School Diploma
- 19% of Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal)s have an Associate's Degree
- 20% of Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal)s have a Bachelor's Degree
- 4% of Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal)s have a Master's Degree
- 0% of Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal)s have a Doctorate Degree
The typical field of study for an Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal) is Air Traffic Controller Training.
See how education can impact your salaryPopular Skills for an Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal)
Relays information
94%
Conveys information
83%
These are the most popular skills for Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal)s. About 94% of Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal)s have a skill in Relays information.
See how skills can impact your salaryAre you getting paid what you're worth?
Discover your true earning potential. Get a personalized salary report and negotiate pay with confidence.
Where can an Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal) earn more?
Discover where an Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal) earns the most and choose a location that maximizes your career potential.
Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal) Salaries in Other Locations
Salaries for Similar Job Titles in Palo Alto, CA
Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal) Jobs
View moreCost of Living in Palo Alto, CA
The cost of living in Palo Alto, CA is 85% higher than the national average.
85% higher
than the national average
Whether you're planning to move or just want to see the cost of living in different locations, our cost-of-living calculator is the place to start. Compare salaries for other locations by city, U.S. ZIP code, state, or country.
Explore Cost-of-Living Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal) do?
Controls and guides pilots of aircraft in the air and in the ground within the vicinity of an airport according to established FAA procedures and policies to provide the safe separation and movement of departing, landing, and maneuvering aircraft, preventing collisions and minimizing delays arising from traffic congestion. Controls movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers to provide maximum separation and safety for aircraft. Answers radio calls from arriving and departing aircraft; gives pilots landing, taxiing, and take-off instructions including traffic clearances, runway to use, weather and wind velocity and direction, and visibility; informs pilots as to obstructions that might be in their path, such as other aircraft and bad weather; and reroutes airborne aircraft when adverse weather conditions are present.
How much does an Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal) make in Palo Alto, CA?
The average salary for an Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal) is $90,193 per year or $43.36 per hour in Palo Alto, CA. Top earners have reported making up to $102,251. However, the typical pay range in Palo Alto, CA is between $62,486 and $102,251 annually.
What is the salary trajectory for an Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal)?
Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal) is projected to see a 13.6 % salary change in 5 years.
How can you increase your salary?
Increasing your salary often starts with understanding your value in today’s job market. You can increase your earning potential by building your skills, advancing your education, moving into a new role or industry, switching companies, or negotiating pay.
How can you negotiate a salary offer?
Negotiating a salary offer involves preparation and finding our your market value. Use our salary calculator to find out how much you should be paid based on what someone in your area, with similar experience, earns. Use this personalized report to help negotiate a higher salary offer or find your dream career.
What are some factors that impact Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal) salaries?
Several factors can impact your salary, including experience, company size, job market, location, industry, and more. Understanding how these factors affect your role can help you spot pay gaps and provide opportunities for a competitive salary.
About Our Data
This page is an excerpt of the much more complete compensation information available in ERI's Assessor Series.
ERI compiles the most robust and accurate salary, cost-of-living, and executive compensation survey database available. Data are analyzed using AI and traditional statistics, depending on which approach is best for a particular application. ERI collects salary survey data from five different sources, which you can learn about here.
Verified Sources
Data sourced from internal salary surveys, purchased surveys, public sources, HRIS data, and proprietary databases.
Real-Time Data
Our salary database is updated and verified approximately every six weeks.
Quality Assurance
Along with our data scientists, we have included AI in our rigorous process to analyze and provide the highest quality data.
For Employers
See How Employers Price Air Traffic Controller (Non-Federal)
Explore how ERI's compensation data and analytics can help you benchmark salaries with ease and build competitive offers to maximize every pay decision.
Get Started