Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Indio, CA: $81.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Indio, CA runs $81.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $168,656 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Indio's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $101,190 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Indio, California, earn a median hourly rate of $81.08, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. This competitive pay is advantageous for those considering part-time roles or per diem positions, as many controllers work in facilities including en route centers and airport towers. Hours can be flexible, allowing controllers to work three days a week while still achieving a substantial income, given the robust hourly rates. Entry-level controllers might start at approximately $47.03 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $118.89 per hour, reflecting the varied pay structure within the profession based on experience and specific job functions. These hourly rates are derived from projected annual salary figures and are indicative of the base pay before any potential overtime or additional compensation impacting overall earnings.
About the Indio 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) | $47.03 | $376.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.48 | $467.80 |
| Median (P50) | $81.08 | $648.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.79 | $830.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118.89 | $951.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Indio
Based on $81.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.08/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Indio, CA can expect to earn approximately $168,650 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,298. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Indio.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Indio
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,243.26 | $14,054 | $168,650 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,945.96 | $8,432 | $101,190 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,297.31 | $5,622 | $67,460 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Indio) | $81.08 |
| 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 Indio, CA earn a median of $168,656 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.04% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.80% below the California state average of $171,747.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.08/hr = $101,190/year (purchasing power: $89,469).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $168,650/year (purchasing power: $149,116).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Indio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $96.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Indio grew 20.4% from $65.66/hr (2019) to $79.05/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.17/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 Indio 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 Indio
When examining the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Indio, working just three days a week for 24 hours could yield an annual take-home that's competitive, even compared to full-time roles. Controllers in understaffed facilities often work extensive overtime, frequently ranging between 50-60 hours per week, which can significantly enhance effective hourly compensation. This can lead to annual earnings boosted by $50,000 to $100,000 or more solely from overtime pay. The type of employer also influences hourly rates—those working in FAA en route centers or terminal radar control facilities typically receive higher compensation than their counterparts in FAA contract towers or local airports. Additionally, some controllers might accept lower hourly wages to secure benefits like health insurance, which are often unavailable in higher-paying contract positions. For those negotiating hourly rates for air traffic controller positions in Indio, discussing benefits and considering the facility's staffing needs can lead to a more favorable wage package.
More salary data for Indio, 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 Indio. 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 Indio 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