Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Alhambra, CA: $81.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Alhambra, CA runs $81.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $169,268 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Alhambra's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $101,561 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Alhambra, California, earn a median hourly rate of $81.38, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This premium reflects the unique demands and expertise required in the profession. Controllers typically operate in various settings such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers. These environments often require intense focus and the ability to manage high-pressure situations. For part-time or per-diem workers, this hourly rate translates to lucrative opportunities, with entry-level positions starting around $47.20 and top earners reaching as high as $119.90 per hour. Such rates are derived from the projected annual salary data, making Alhambra an attractive location for aspiring air traffic controllers seeking both flexibility and competitive compensation.
About the Alhambra Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.20 | $377.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.04 | $472.31 |
| Median (P50) | $81.38 | $651.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102.84 | $822.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119.90 | $959.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alhambra
Based on $81.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.38/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alhambra, CA can expect to earn approximately $169,268 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,655. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alhambra.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alhambra
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,255.16 | $14,106 | $169,268 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,953.10 | $8,463 | $101,561 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,302.06 | $5,642 | $67,707 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Alhambra) | $81.38 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Alhambra, CA earn a median of $169,268 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.44% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% below the California state average of $171,846.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.38/hr = $101,561/year (purchasing power: $89,798).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $169,268/year (purchasing power: $149,663).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Alhambra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $96.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Alhambra grew 20.4% from $65.90/hr (2019) to $79.34/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.47/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alhambra metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Alhambra
Considering part-time work, a controller on a 3-day week schedule, totalling 24 hours, could take home around $101,186 annually, a substantial figure compared to full-time earnings. Many per-diem or agency controllers benefit from overtime, which is compensated at 1.5 times the base rate, allowing for significant supplemental income. At understaffed facilities, it's not uncommon for controllers to work 50-60 hours a week, catapulting annual salaries into the six-figure range. Moreover, the variation in hourly rates across different employer types in Alhambra—whether in FAA en route centers, TRACONs, or airport towers—presents a strategic choice for controllers weighing the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly wages without such perks. With ongoing staffing challenges post-2013, controllers have the leverage to negotiate favorable terms, particularly those familiar with the specialized demands of this crucial role in aviation.
More salary data for Alhambra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Alhambra. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alhambra is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov