Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Citrus Heights, CA: $82.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Citrus Heights, CA runs $82.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $171,038 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Citrus Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,624 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Citrus Heights, California, air traffic controllers can expect a median hourly pay of $82.23, significantly higher than the national average of $73.02. This figure translates into robust compensation, particularly for those working part-time—averaging about three days a week—which allows professionals in this field to balance work and personal commitments while still enjoying generous earnings. Per-diem positions within this occupation offer additional flexibility, fitting well with the demands of en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers. The estimated hourly pay spans from $47.70 at the entry-level to $117.65 among top earners, reflecting the varied demands and responsibilities inherent in air traffic roles across Citrus Heights.
About the Citrus Heights 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) | $47.70 | $381.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.20 | $473.63 |
| Median (P50) | $82.23 | $657.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104.94 | $839.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117.65 | $941.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Citrus Heights
Based on $82.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.23/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Citrus Heights, CA can expect to earn approximately $171,039 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,676. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Citrus Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Citrus Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,289.21 | $14,253 | $171,039 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,973.53 | $8,552 | $102,624 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,315.69 | $5,701 | $68,416 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Citrus Heights) | $82.23 |
| 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 Citrus Heights, CA earn a median of $171,038 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.61% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.40% below the California state average of $171,724.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.23/hr = $102,624/year (purchasing power: $90,737).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $171,039/year (purchasing power: $151,228).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Citrus Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $97.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Citrus Heights grew 20.4% from $66.59/hr (2019) to $80.17/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.34/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 Citrus Heights 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 Citrus Heights
Considering the earning potential for part-time workers reveals compelling insights into financial realities for air traffic controllers. A part-time controller working 24 hours a week could earn approximately $104,000 annually, substantially less than full-time counterparts but still respectable given the flexible nature of the position. Per-diem air traffic controller pay in Citrus Heights can vary based on factors such as overtime opportunities—a common scenario due to chronic staffing shortages—which often results in controllers clocking substantially more hours at 1.5 times their base rate. Pay disparities exist among employers, with FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and contract facilities each offering distinct compensation structures. While higher hourly rates may lure some, the trade-off for benefits such as health insurance in less lucrative roles is a notable consideration for many in this profession. Local insights such as negotiating worth based on experience and skill set can further enhance earnings for those committed to the dynamic field of air traffic control in CA.
More salary data for Citrus Heights, 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 Citrus Heights. 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 Citrus Heights 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