Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Madera, CA: $80.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Madera, CA runs $80.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $167,785 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Madera's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,665 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Madera, California, the hourly pay for air traffic controllers is projected to be $80.66 in 2026, significantly above the national hourly median of $73.02. This rate reflects the premium that air traffic controllers in the area can command, particularly in specialized settings such as en route centers and airport traffic control towers where they manage significant air traffic. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this translates to a healthy paycheck, allowing for flexible work schedules while still earning a competitive rate in a high-responsibility profession. The pay range for air traffic controllers in Madera varies widely, starting at $46.78 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $117.24 for those at the top of their field. These figures are derived from annual salary data, indicating the lucrative opportunities available in this line of work.
About the Madera 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) | $46.78 | $374.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.08 | $464.60 |
| Median (P50) | $80.66 | $645.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.26 | $826.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117.24 | $937.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madera
Based on $80.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.66/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madera, CA can expect to earn approximately $167,775 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,793. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Madera.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madera
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,226.44 | $13,981 | $167,775 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,935.87 | $8,389 | $100,665 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,290.58 | $5,592 | $67,110 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Madera) | $80.66 |
| 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 Madera, CA earn a median of $167,785 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.47% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.30% below the California state average of $171,735.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.66/hr = $100,665/year (purchasing power: $89,005).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $167,775/year (purchasing power: $148,342).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Madera (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $95.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Madera grew 20.4% from $65.32/hr (2019) to $78.64/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.73/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 Madera 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 Madera
For those contemplating a part-time role, air traffic controllers can see a marked difference in their earnings structure compared to full-time positions. A controller working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could bring home an annual income that reflects their hourly rate but lacks the overtime earnings that are often a significant part of a full-time controller's compensation. Many controllers work at understaffed facilities, which frequently leads to 50-60 hour weeks, resulting in substantial overtime pay that can greatly enhance their overall earnings, with some controllers seeing an additional $50,000 to $100,000 from overtime alone. In Madera, hourly rates can differ based on the type of employer as well; those working for FAA en route centers might earn differently compared to those in FAA contract towers. Additionally, some controllers may opt for higher hourly pay without benefits or choose positions that offer lower hourly wages but include health insurance. Understanding these dynamics can guide negotiation tactics for hourly workers in the area, especially in a market influenced by the ongoing demand for qualified air traffic controllers in a chronic staffing shortage post-2013.
More salary data for Madera, 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 Madera. 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 Madera 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