Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Berkeley, CA: $82.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Berkeley, CA runs $82.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $172,424 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,456 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Berkeley, California, the median hourly pay for air traffic controllers is projected to reach $82.90 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This rate reflects the specialized knowledge and responsibilities involved in ensuring safe and efficient air traffic operations. For those in part-time positions, working three days a week typically translates to a substantial income, while per-diem opportunities can offer flexibility within diverse environments, such as radar consoles at en route centers, TRACON facilities near major airports, and control towers offering expansive views. The hourly rate ranges from $48.08 for entry-level positions to $118.95 for the top earners, showcasing the potential for significant financial reward as controllers gain experience and seniority. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, which underscores the critical nature of this role in maintaining flight safety.
About the Berkeley 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) | $48.08 | $384.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.69 | $477.48 |
| Median (P50) | $82.90 | $663.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105.65 | $845.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118.95 | $951.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $82.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.90/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, CA can expect to earn approximately $172,426 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,476. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,315.88 | $14,369 | $172,426 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,989.53 | $8,621 | $103,456 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,326.35 | $5,748 | $68,970 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Berkeley) | $82.90 |
| 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 Berkeley, CA earn a median of $172,424 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.52% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.40% above the California state average of $171,737.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.90/hr = $103,456/year (purchasing power: $91,473).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $172,426/year (purchasing power: $152,454).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $98.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Berkeley grew 20.4% from $67.13/hr (2019) to $80.82/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.03/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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley
Part-time air traffic controllers in Berkeley, if working a schedule of three days per week at a steady rhythm, can expect to bring home roughly $129,996 annually. In contrast, full-time controllers often clock in around 40 hours a week, with some facilities requiring even more due to chronic understaffing. The reality of the profession often involves significant overtime; controllers may earn one and a half times their base pay, which can substantially increase overall compensation. Some professionals in this field, particularly those operating at busy FAA ARTCCs or TRACON facilities, may rack up $50,000 to $100,000 in overtime alone, heavily skewing their effective hourly compensation. Different types of employers, such as FAA contract towers or military air traffic control, can also lead to variations in pay. Health insurance and benefits often influence decisions as well, with some controllers opting for lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health coverage. Negotiating hourly pay, particularly in an environment like Berkeley, requires awareness of the local job market and the potential trade-offs, including considering whether to prioritize higher pay over benefits or job security.
More salary data for Berkeley, 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 Berkeley. 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 Berkeley 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