Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Newport Beach, CA: $80.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Newport Beach, CA runs $80.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $168,044 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Newport Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,831 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newport Beach, the hourly pay for an air traffic controller reaches a median of $80.79, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. This substantial rate reflects the complexities and responsibilities inherent in directing air traffic, whether from en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers. For part-time workers, typically operating around three days a week, this hourly pay translates into a rewarding income that rewards their expertise and training. The hourly pay scale ranges from $46.85 at the entry level (P10) to $117.87 for the highest earners (P90), illustrating the lucrative potential for those who excel in this high-pressure profession. Estimates are derived from annual salary data, emphasizing the importance of understanding this compensation format in a field known for its demanding work environments.
About the Newport Beach 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) | $46.85 | $374.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.17 | $465.34 |
| Median (P50) | $80.79 | $646.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.41 | $827.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117.87 | $942.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newport Beach
Based on $80.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.79/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newport Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $168,052 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,953. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newport Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newport Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,231.78 | $14,004 | $168,052 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,939.07 | $8,403 | $100,831 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,292.71 | $5,602 | $67,221 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Newport Beach) | $80.79 |
| 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 Newport Beach, CA earn a median of $168,044 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.64% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% below the California state average of $171,824.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.79/hr = $100,831/year (purchasing power: $89,152).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $168,052/year (purchasing power: $148,587).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Newport Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $95.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Newport Beach grew 20.4% from $65.42/hr (2019) to $78.77/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.87/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 Newport Beach 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 Newport Beach
Part-time air traffic controllers working a standard weekly schedule can earn significantly based on their hourly rate, a factor which proves particularly enticing given the financial potential involved. For example, working just 24 hours weekly could yield an annual take-home pay of nearly $100,000, a competitive sum that highlights the advantage of choosing part-time roles in this field. Additionally, the per diem air traffic controller pay in Newport Beach can greatly exceed the base rate, especially with overtime becoming a common reality; many controllers report working 50-60 hours a week and seeing their effective hourly compensation soar as a result. Various employment types also affect earnings, with FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and airport towers providing distinct pay scales. Some controllers opt for lower hourly rates at FAA facilities for benefits that more lucrative contracting positions do not offer, creating a nuanced trade-off for potential hires. With Newport Beach's demanding air traffic context, it’s essential for controllers to negotiate terms that reflect their skills and the complex work they perform.
More salary data for Newport Beach, 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 Newport Beach. 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 Newport Beach 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