Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Hesperia, CA: $82.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Hesperia, CA runs $82.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $171,268 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Hesperia's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,764 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hesperia, California, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers in 2026 is $82.34, placing it significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This competitive rate is indicative of the sophisticated environments in which controllers operate, ranging from enclosed radar control rooms to expansive airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, those earnings can translate to a substantial income, enabling flexibility while still maintaining a solid per-hour rate. Entry-level positions start around $47.76, while experienced controllers can earn up to $123.26 per hour, demonstrating a robust range that corresponds to varying levels of experience and responsibility in this critical occupation.
About the Hesperia 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) | $47.76 | $382.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.29 | $474.28 |
| Median (P50) | $82.34 | $658.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105.40 | $843.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123.26 | $986.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hesperia
Based on $82.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.34/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hesperia, CA can expect to earn approximately $171,274 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,812. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hesperia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hesperia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,293.73 | $14,273 | $171,274 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,976.24 | $8,564 | $102,764 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,317.49 | $5,709 | $68,510 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Hesperia) | $82.34 |
| 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 Hesperia, CA earn a median of $171,268 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.76% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.30% below the California state average of $171,784.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.34/hr = $102,764/year (purchasing power: $90,861).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $171,274/year (purchasing power: $151,436).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hesperia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $97.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Hesperia grew 20.4% from $66.68/hr (2019) to $80.28/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.46/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 Hesperia 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 Hesperia
When evaluating part-time earning potential, a controller working 24 hours per week could expect a yearly take-home similar to a full-timer but with fewer hours, reflecting a more favorable work-life balance. Additionally, per-diem air traffic controller pay in Hesperia can lead to lucrative opportunities for those willing to work extra shifts or take on training roles, often resulting in overtime at 1.5x the hourly rate. Many controllers, particularly in FAA facilities such as TRACONs or control towers, can find themselves working 50-60 hours weekly, with overtime potentially adding $50,000 to $100,000 to their total compensation. Different types of employers may offer varied rates, with FAA facilities typically providing stronger benefits compared to private contractors. Controllers often have to weigh the trade-offs between higher pay in contract roles and the health benefits that come with federal positions. Negotiating hourly rates effectively requires an understanding of these dynamics, ensuring that Hesperia air traffic controllers can secure compensation that reflects their skills while aligning with their lifestyle choices.
More salary data for Hesperia, 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 Hesperia. 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 Hesperia 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