Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in La Mirada, CA: $82.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in La Mirada, CA runs $82.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $170,688 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against La Mirada's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,419 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In La Mirada, California, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $82.07, which is significantly higher than the national average of $73.02. This competitive pay reflects the specialized nature of the work conducted in various environments such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. For part-time professionals working a typical schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate translates into substantial earnings compared to many other part-time occupations. Entry-level controllers can expect to earn around $47.59 per hour, while those who excel can earn up to $113.74 per hour, signaling a clear pathway for advancement in this high-responsibility job.
About the La Mirada 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) | $47.59 | $380.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.08 | $472.64 |
| Median (P50) | $82.07 | $656.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105.01 | $840.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113.74 | $909.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Mirada
Based on $82.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.07/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Mirada, CA can expect to earn approximately $170,698 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,480. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in La Mirada.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Mirada
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,282.65 | $14,225 | $170,698 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,969.59 | $8,535 | $102,419 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,313.06 | $5,690 | $68,279 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (La Mirada) | $82.07 |
| 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 La Mirada, CA earn a median of $170,688 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.38% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% below the California state average of $171,718.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.07/hr = $102,419/year (purchasing power: $90,556).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $170,698/year (purchasing power: $150,926).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in La Mirada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $97.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in La Mirada grew 20.4% from $66.45/hr (2019) to $80.01/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.18/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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada
For air traffic controllers working part-time at 24 hours per week, the annual take-home pay can be quite favorable, resulting in earnings significantly higher than many other positions at the same schedule. Furthermore, many controllers in La Mirada may find themselves in overtime situations, often working 50-60 hours a week. This additional time can drive total compensation well beyond base rates, with overtime pay at 1.5 times the hourly wage adding a substantial amount to their income. The type of employer also plays a crucial role in determining pay rates; controllers at FAA en route centers may see different compensation structures compared to those at airport towers or military installations. Some controllers may opt for positions with lower hourly pay but better health insurance benefits, creating a trade-off that influences career decisions. Practical negotiation for hourly contracts can benefit from understanding the balance between pay and benefits, especially in a region like La Mirada where competition for qualified staff is driven by chronic staffing shortages.
More salary data for La Mirada, 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 La Mirada. 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 La Mirada 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