Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Buena Park, CA: $83.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Buena Park, CA runs $83.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $173,962 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Buena Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $104,377 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buena Park, California, the air traffic controller hourly pay is quite competitive, with a median rate of $83.64. This figure significantly outpaces the national hourly median of $73.02, reflecting the region's cost of living and demand for skilled labor in the field. Controllers typically work in various environments such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers, allowing for flexibility in their schedules. For part-time workers, especially those at three days a week, this translates into a substantial income, while per-diem staff can negotiate rates for training. The hourly compensation scales considerably; entry-level controllers start at around $48.51, whereas experienced professionals can earn up to $119.48, illustrating the potential for career advancement and financial growth.
About the Buena 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) | $48.51 | $388.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.22 | $481.75 |
| Median (P50) | $83.64 | $669.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106.62 | $852.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119.48 | $955.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buena Park
Based on $83.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.64/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buena Park, CA can expect to earn approximately $173,962 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,363. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Buena Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buena Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,345.42 | $14,497 | $173,962 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,007.25 | $8,698 | $104,377 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,338.17 | $5,799 | $69,585 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Buena Park) | $83.64 |
| 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 Buena Park, CA earn a median of $173,962 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.53% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% above the California state average of $171,729.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.64/hr = $104,377/year (purchasing power: $92,288).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $173,962/year (purchasing power: $153,813).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Buena Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $99.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Buena Park grew 20.4% from $67.72/hr (2019) to $81.54/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.79/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 Buena 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 Buena Park
The earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Buena Park can lead to a substantial annual income, even with a 24-hour workweek. While full-time hours may bring in higher overall wages, part-timers at this rate still secure a healthy income, underscoring the attractiveness of flexible work options in this field. Per-diem air traffic controller pay in Buena Park also adds another layer of potential earnings; with many controllers opting for overtime hours, especially in understaffed facilities, some can earn between $50,000 to $100,000 more annually. Employment options vary as well; FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and contract towers each have different compensation structures, which can influence the hourly rate. Controllers must often weigh the trade-off between higher hourly rates in contract positions and the more comprehensive benefits offered by federal employment. As they navigate their contracts and offers, knowing the specifics of each type of facility can empower controllers to negotiate effectively for the best possible hourly pay.
More salary data for Buena 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 Buena 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 Buena 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