Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Merced, CA: $80.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Merced, CA runs $80.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $166,901 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Merced's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,140 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Merced, California, air traffic controllers can expect an hourly pay of $80.24, which is notably higher than the national median of $73.02. This competitive rate translates into significant earnings potential for both part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, such as en route centers or airport control towers. For those working three days a week, the flexibility offered can be appealing, given the demanding nature of air traffic control. Entry-level positions in the region might start at around $46.54 per hour, while experienced controllers at the top of the pay scale can earn up to $116.00 an hour. The reported figures reflect estimated hourly earnings derived from annual salary data, highlighting the lucrative opportunities for those considering a career in this field in Merced.
About the Merced 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) | $46.54 | $372.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.78 | $462.22 |
| Median (P50) | $80.24 | $641.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102.70 | $821.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116.00 | $927.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merced
Based on $80.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.24/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merced, CA can expect to earn approximately $166,900 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,289. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Merced.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merced
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,209.62 | $13,908 | $166,900 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,925.77 | $8,345 | $100,140 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,283.85 | $5,563 | $66,760 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Merced) | $80.24 |
| 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 Merced, CA earn a median of $166,901 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.89% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.80% below the California state average of $171,709.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.24/hr = $100,140/year (purchasing power: $88,541).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $166,900/year (purchasing power: $147,569).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Merced (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $95.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Merced grew 20.4% from $64.98/hr (2019) to $78.23/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.30/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 Merced 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 Merced
Part-time air traffic controllers in Merced working a typical 24-hour week could potentially bring home approximately $62,000 annually, which presents a solid income for those seeking work-life balance. In contrast, full-time positions can leverage substantial overtime—often 50 to 60 hours a week—pushing earnings significantly higher, sometimes by $50,000 to $100,000 annually due to overtime. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Merced remains negotiable, particularly during facility transition training, differentiating from the full-time federal positions where benefits offer security at a slightly lower hourly rate. Controllers working in various facilities, whether FAA en route centers or military installations, may see differing hourly rates based on employer type and location. Those in FAA contract towers or smaller facilities might accept lower hourly wages due to fewer benefits available, so potential hires should consider their priorities before accepting a position. Dialogues on compensation during interviews can often result in better pay, especially within the context of Merced's ongoing demand for air traffic controllers amidst a backdrop of federal compensation structures.
More salary data for Merced, 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 Merced. 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 Merced 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