Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Baldwin Park, CA: $80.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Baldwin Park, CA runs $80.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $167,487 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Baldwin Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,486 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Baldwin Park, California, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $80.52, which marks a significant premium compared to the national median of $73.02. This generous pay scale reflects the unique working conditions prevalent in various control settings, such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this translates into a considerable pay structure, providing options for a work-life balance. The hourly range for air traffic controllers in Baldwin Park extends from $46.70 for entry-level positions to $116.75 for the highest earners. With a cost of living index in Baldwin Park at 113.1, these figures are conducive to a sustainable lifestyle for those in the profession, with hourly estimates derived from projected annual figures and industry standards.
About the Baldwin Park 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) | $46.70 | $373.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.97 | $463.78 |
| Median (P50) | $80.52 | $644.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.07 | $824.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116.75 | $933.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Baldwin Park
Based on $80.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.52/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Baldwin Park, CA can expect to earn approximately $167,476 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,621. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Baldwin Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Baldwin Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,220.70 | $13,956 | $167,476 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,932.42 | $8,374 | $100,486 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,288.28 | $5,583 | $66,991 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Baldwin Park) | $80.52 |
| 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 Baldwin Park, CA earn a median of $167,487 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.27% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.50% below the California state average of $171,781.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.52/hr = $100,486/year (purchasing power: $88,847).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $167,476/year (purchasing power: $148,078).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Baldwin Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $95.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Baldwin Park grew 20.4% from $65.20/hr (2019) to $78.50/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.59/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 Baldwin Park 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 Baldwin Park
Evaluating the potential earnings for a part-time air traffic controller working a 24-hour week, they can expect to take home approximately $62,116 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time earnings. For many, per diem air traffic controller pay in Baldwin Park fosters flexibility, as controllers often engage in agency work or temporary positions, driving their effective hourly compensation well above base rates due to substantial overtime, which is common in understaffed facilities. In fact, many Controllers-in-Charge (CPCs) regularly clock between 50 to 60 hours weekly, sometimes resulting in an additional $50,000 to $100,000 in overtime. Employers vary because FAA en route centers, military ATC positions, and contract towers all offer different pay structures, impacting the hourly rate. Some controllers may prioritize health benefits over higher pay in jobs with minimal or no benefits. Thus, negotiating pay effectively while understanding the value of benefits is essential for air traffic controllers in Baldwin Park navigating their career paths.
More salary data for Baldwin Park, 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 Baldwin Park. 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 Baldwin Park 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