Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Compton, CA: $81.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Compton, CA runs $81.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $170,139 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Compton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,086 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
An air traffic controller in Compton, California, can expect a median hourly pay of $81.80, which significantly exceeds the national median of $73.02 for this profession. This attractive hourly rate provides a solid incentive for both full-time and part-time work arrangements. For those working part-time, assuming a typical 24-hour work week across three days, this translates into a substantial income, especially when considering the working environments which include en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. Newer controllers may start at an hourly rate of $47.44, while top earners can command as much as $115.96 per hour, reflecting the diverse pay scale within the industry driven by experience and the complexities of their roles. These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, indicating a robust earning potential within the local context.
About the Compton 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) | $47.44 | $379.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.84 | $478.71 |
| Median (P50) | $81.80 | $654.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.93 | $831.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.96 | $927.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Compton
Based on $81.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.80/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Compton, CA can expect to earn approximately $170,143 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,159. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Compton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Compton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,271.98 | $14,179 | $170,143 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,963.19 | $8,507 | $102,086 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,308.79 | $5,671 | $68,057 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Compton) | $81.80 |
| 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 Compton, CA earn a median of $170,139 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.02% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.00% below the California state average of $171,858.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.80/hr = $102,086/year (purchasing power: $90,262).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $170,143/year (purchasing power: $150,436).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $96.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Compton grew 20.4% from $66.24/hr (2019) to $79.75/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.90/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 Compton 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 Compton
In the realm of air traffic control, those considering part-time opportunities must be aware of their earning trajectories and the nuances of the profession. A part-time air traffic controller working three days a week might bring home around $94,080 annually, which is compelling compared to full-time earnings that can skyrocket with overtime. With many positions requiring controllers to work 50-60 hours per week due to chronic understaffing, substantial overtime pay can drive earnings into the realm of $50k-$100k+, particularly in FAA facilities where capturing higher wages is a common practice. Moreover, pay varies significantly across different employers in Compton, from FAA en route centers to smaller contract towers. While opting for positions with health insurance benefits may yield lower hourly rates, understanding the balance between wages and benefits is crucial for long-term satisfaction in such a demanding career. Negotiating effective hourly rates can be advantageous, especially for controllers entering the field from CTI programs or military backgrounds, aligning with local market conditions.
More salary data for Compton, 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 Compton. 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 Compton 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