Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Carlsbad, CA: $82.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Carlsbad, CA runs $82.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $172,050 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Carlsbad's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,225 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Carlsbad's air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to reach $82.71 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02 per hour. This competitive rate can be appealing for part-time air traffic controllers working three days a week, as it allows for substantial earnings in a job that demands focus and expertise across various environments including en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. For those just entering the field, the hourly rate starts at approximately $47.97, while more experienced controllers can earn upwards of $123.69 per hour. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, highlighting the financial potential for both full-time and part-time roles in the air traffic management arena in Carlsbad, CA.
About the Carlsbad 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) | $47.97 | $383.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.55 | $476.42 |
| Median (P50) | $82.71 | $661.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105.87 | $846.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123.69 | $989.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carlsbad
Based on $82.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.71/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carlsbad, CA can expect to earn approximately $172,042 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,255. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Carlsbad.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carlsbad
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,308.50 | $14,337 | $172,042 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,985.10 | $8,602 | $103,225 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,323.40 | $5,735 | $68,817 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Carlsbad) | $82.71 |
| 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 Carlsbad, CA earn a median of $172,050 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.28% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.20% above the California state average of $171,706.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.71/hr = $103,225/year (purchasing power: $91,269).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $172,042/year (purchasing power: $152,115).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $98.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Carlsbad grew 20.4% from $66.98/hr (2019) to $80.64/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.84/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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad
Considering the earnings breakdown, a part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours per week could potentially earn around $102,000 annually. This amount contrasts with the full-time equivalent earning that surpasses $172,050 per year, showcasing the lucrative nature of this role. Many air traffic controllers also engage in per diem work, allowing for flexible hours that can drive effective hourly compensation upwards due to overtime opportunities, sometimes exceeding $100,000 annually in added hours. This job market in Carlsbad includes various employer types like FAA en route centers and military facilities, each offering different pay scales and benefits structures. While some controllers might opt for positions with lower pay rates to secure comprehensive health benefits, others may focus solely on hourly compensation. Negotiating effectively can yield better hourly rates for those whose total compensation structure supports their lifestyle and financial goals.
More salary data for Carlsbad, 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 Carlsbad. 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 Carlsbad 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