Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Dublin, CA: $83.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Dublin, CA runs $83.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $173,840 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Dublin's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $104,300 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dublin, California, air traffic controllers earn a competitive median hourly rate of $83.57, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This elevated pay reflects the challenging nature of their work, usually performed in specialized environments such as en route center radar consoles and TRACON facilities. For part-time or per-diem controllers, working three days a week not only allows a flexible lifestyle but also offers substantial earnings within this rate structure. The hourly range in Dublin stretches from $48.47 for entry-level positions to $119.28 for top earners, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities accumulated in the field. These estimates derive from annual salary data, illustrating the strong demand for skilled controllers to manage the complexities of air traffic.
About the Dublin 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) | $48.47 | $387.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.18 | $481.42 |
| Median (P50) | $83.57 | $668.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106.48 | $851.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119.28 | $954.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dublin
Based on $83.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.57/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dublin, CA can expect to earn approximately $173,834 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,289. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dublin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dublin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,342.96 | $14,486 | $173,834 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,005.78 | $8,692 | $104,300 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,337.18 | $5,794 | $69,534 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Dublin) | $83.57 |
| 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 Dublin, CA earn a median of $173,840 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.45% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% above the California state average of $171,778.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.57/hr = $104,300/year (purchasing power: $92,220).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $173,834/year (purchasing power: $153,699).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Dublin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $99.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Dublin grew 20.4% from $67.67/hr (2019) to $81.48/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.72/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 Dublin 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 Dublin
When considering part-time opportunities, a three-day work week can yield about $130,000 annually for a controller in Dublin, a significant income compared to a full-time schedule. Many controllers also benefit from overtime, as chronic staffing shortages lead to additional work hours. This often results in annual earnings of $200,000 or more, factoring in pay rates that surge due to overtime compensation. Controllers stationed at FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach control, and airport towers often encounter varying hourly rates depending on their specific employer and location. In Dublin, contract towers may offer lower hourly rates without fringe benefits, while federal positions through the FAA provide greater financial security with health insurance. Those negotiating their pay can exploit their skills and the state of the labor market, ensuring they balance hourly compensation with benefits for a holistic financial strategy.
More salary data for Dublin, 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 Dublin. 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 Dublin 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