Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Lake Elsinore, CA: $82.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Lake Elsinore, CA runs $82.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $171,255 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Lake Elsinore's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,752 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Elsinore, air traffic controllers receive a median hourly rate of $82.33, significantly surpassing the national average of $73.02. This competitive hourly pay allows controllers working part-time, such as those on a three-day work week, to earn substantial income while fulfilling their professional responsibilities across various environments. Whether operating en route center radar consoles in dimly lit control rooms or managing traffic at bustling airport towers with panoramic views, the pay range for air traffic controllers in this area starts at $47.76 for entry-level positions, with experienced professionals earning up to $123.02 per hour. These rates reflect the demanding work associated with maintaining the safety and efficiency of air traffic in critical settings, showcasing the value of this profession in Lake Elsinore.
About the Lake Elsinore 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) | $82.33 | $658.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.52 | $828.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123.02 | $984.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Elsinore
Based on $82.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.33/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Elsinore, CA can expect to earn approximately $171,253 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,800. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Elsinore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Elsinore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,293.32 | $14,271 | $171,253 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,975.99 | $8,563 | $102,752 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,317.33 | $5,708 | $68,501 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Lake Elsinore) | $82.33 |
| 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 Lake Elsinore, CA earn a median of $171,255 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.75% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.30% below the California state average of $171,770.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.33/hr = $102,752/year (purchasing power: $90,850).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $171,253/year (purchasing power: $151,417).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lake Elsinore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $97.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Lake Elsinore grew 20.4% from $66.67/hr (2019) to $80.27/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.45/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 Lake Elsinore 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 Lake Elsinore
Part-time air traffic controllers working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $63,305 annually, a figure that highlights the earning potential for those not pursuing full-time positions. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Lake Elsinore can fluctuate based on various factors, particularly during periods of facility transfer training where the potential for negotiated rates exists. Controllers in underserved facilities often find themselves working overtime, with some logging 50 to 60 hours weekly, which can significantly boost their earnings. This pattern allows many Certified Professional Controllers (CPCs) to see their compensation package stretch to include a substantial amount of overtime, sometimes exceeding $100,000 annually. Moreover, hourly wages can differ across employer types, from FAA en route centers and TRACONs to military air traffic control positions, shaping the decision for some controllers to trade off hourly pay for better benefits. For those negotiating their hourly rate, understanding the local job market and having clarity on the distinctions between various employment types will be key in securing an advantageous position in Lake Elsinore’s air traffic control environment.
More salary data for Lake Elsinore, 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 Lake Elsinore. 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 Lake Elsinore 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