Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Hemet, CA: $82.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Hemet, CA runs $82.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $172,180 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Hemet's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,302 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hemet, California, the projected air traffic controller hourly pay in 2026 is $82.77, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This difference reflects the demand for skilled controllers in the area, with potential earnings for part-time or per-diem workers being quite attractive in various environments such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers. For those looking to work just three days a week, this median hourly rate translates into substantial weekly compensation, allowing for flexible work-life balance while pursuing a high-responsibility job. For entry-level positions, the hourly range starts at about $48.01, while seasoned professionals in the field can earn up to $116.52, demonstrating the varied earning potential based on experience and job responsibilities within this specialized profession.
About the Hemet 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) | $48.01 | $384.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.60 | $476.83 |
| Median (P50) | $82.77 | $662.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104.50 | $835.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116.52 | $932.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hemet
Based on $82.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.77/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hemet, CA can expect to earn approximately $172,170 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,329. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hemet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hemet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,310.96 | $14,347 | $172,170 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,986.58 | $8,608 | $103,302 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,324.38 | $5,739 | $68,868 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Hemet) | $82.77 |
| 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 Hemet, CA earn a median of $172,180 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.36% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.20% above the California state average of $171,836.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.77/hr = $103,302/year (purchasing power: $91,337).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $172,170/year (purchasing power: $152,228).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hemet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $98.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Hemet grew 20.4% from $67.03/hr (2019) to $80.70/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.90/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 Hemet 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 Hemet
When considering the earning potential as an air traffic controller in Hemet, part-time controllers working a 24-hour week might take home a notable income even when compared to full-time peers. Beyond hourly rates, per diem air traffic controller pay in Hemet is often substantially influenced by overtime, as chronic understaffing at facilities results in many controllers working 50-60 hour weeks, which can lead to annual earnings significantly exceeding base compensation, often pushing total pay into the $50k-$100k range from overtime alone. Employment opportunities also vary based on the type of facility; FAA en route centers offer different compensation tiers compared to terminal control facilities or contract towers. The decision for controllers to accept lower rates at certain facilities may involve trade-offs with benefits, like health insurance, making negotiations essential. For anyone seeking to position themselves effectively in Hemet’s job market, grasping the specifics of employer types and available benefits can make a significant difference in career satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Hemet, 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 Hemet. 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 Hemet 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