Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Antioch, CA: $81.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Antioch, CA runs $81.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $169,676 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Antioch's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $101,804 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Antioch, California, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at $81.57, which exceeds the national median of $73.02. This premium reflects both the local demand for skilled controllers and the inherent complexities of the role, which often requires working in specialized environments such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers. For those working part-time, approximately three days a week, the resulting financial compensation can still be substantial, creating opportunities for excellent work-life balance alongside consistent hourly income. The hourly pay ranges from $47.32 at the 10th percentile to $122.53 for the top 90th percentile earners, allowing for varied earning potential depending on experience and facility type. These estimates are derived from the projected annual salary data for 2026, underscoring the significance of air traffic control roles in Antioch's economic framework.
About the Antioch 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) | $47.32 | $378.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.73 | $469.85 |
| Median (P50) | $81.57 | $652.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104.42 | $835.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122.53 | $980.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Antioch
Based on $81.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.57/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Antioch, CA can expect to earn approximately $169,674 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,889. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Antioch.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Antioch
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,262.96 | $14,139 | $169,674 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,957.77 | $8,484 | $101,804 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,305.18 | $5,656 | $67,870 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Antioch) | $81.57 |
| 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 Antioch, CA earn a median of $169,676 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.71% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% below the California state average of $171,737.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.57/hr = $101,804/year (purchasing power: $90,013).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $169,674/year (purchasing power: $150,021).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Antioch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $96.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Antioch grew 20.4% from $66.05/hr (2019) to $79.53/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.67/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 Antioch 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 Antioch
A part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours a week in Antioch could expect to earn around $88,460 annually, a notable figure in comparison to other professions. The per diem air traffic controller pay in Antioch can also bring in enhanced earnings, as opportunities for overtime commonly arise in understaffed environments. Controllers frequently find themselves working 50-60 hour weeks, with overtime driving effective hourly compensation significantly beyond base pay. Differences across employer types also influence pay dynamics; FAA controllers at high-traffic centers tend to earn more than those in smaller, contract-operated facilities. Some controllers may choose positions that offer lower base hourly pay for the added benefit of comprehensive health insurance, while others pursue a higher hourly rate without as robust a benefits package. Effective negotiation skills are essential in these scenarios, especially as the industry continues to grapple with staffing shortages and mandatory retirement at age 56, creating unique opportunities for both new and seasoned controllers in Antioch.
More salary data for Antioch, 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 Antioch. 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 Antioch 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