Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Apple Valley, CA: $82.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Apple Valley, CA runs $82.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $170,656 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Apple Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,393 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apple Valley, California, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers in 2026 sits at $82.05, which is notably higher than the national median of $73.02. This advantageous rate reflects the demanding settings where controllers often work, such as en route center radar consoles or airport control towers, making it viable for professionals looking for part-time options. For example, an air traffic controller working three days a week could earn around $63,000 annually, while still engaging in varied environments and ensuring safe aircraft operations. Entry-level positions can expect earnings at about $47.58 per hour, while top earners can reach up to $116.81 per hour. Such hourly rates provide a tangible allure for both new entrants and seasoned professionals within the aviation industry in Apple Valley.
About the Apple Valley 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) | $47.58 | $380.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.32 | $482.57 |
| Median (P50) | $82.05 | $656.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104.61 | $836.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116.81 | $934.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apple Valley
Based on $82.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.05/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apple Valley, CA can expect to earn approximately $170,655 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,455. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Apple Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apple Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,281.83 | $14,221 | $170,655 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,969.10 | $8,533 | $102,393 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,312.73 | $5,689 | $68,262 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Apple Valley) | $82.05 |
| 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 Apple Valley, CA earn a median of $170,656 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.36% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% below the California state average of $171,859.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.05/hr = $102,393/year (purchasing power: $90,533).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $170,655/year (purchasing power: $150,889).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Apple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $97.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Apple Valley grew 20.4% from $66.44/hr (2019) to $79.99/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.15/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 Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley
Part-time controllers in Apple Valley enjoy competitive earning potential, particularly because they can round out their paychecks with overtime. Working 24 hours a week, a full-time equivalent could take home approximately $153,312 annually, given the high hourly rate. Notably, many controllers find themselves clocking in 50 to 60 hours a week due to chronic understaffing, leading to significant boosts in total compensation—often exceeding $50,000 in overtime alone. The landscape of air traffic control pay also varies based on employer types in the region; controllers at FAA en route centers and TRACONs may see different effective hourly rates compared to those at contract towers or military facilities. It's crucial for air traffic controllers to weigh benefits against hourly pay, as some may prefer lower rates that come with robust health insurance packages. For those seeking per diem work in Apple Valley, negotiating the per diem air traffic controller pay can also provide flexibility, allowing prospective candidates to balance their schedules with lucrative financial outcomes.
More salary data for Apple Valley, 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 Apple Valley. 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 Apple Valley 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