Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Oakley, CA: $79.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Oakley, CA runs $79.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $166,289 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Oakley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,769 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oakley, California, air traffic controllers earn a competitive median hourly pay of $79.94, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This hourly pay rate creates attractive opportunities for both full-time and part-time controllers, especially in settings like en route center radar consoles and TRACON facilities. For those working part-time, offering three days a week, there is potential to earn substantial wages while enjoying a balanced schedule. The hourly range for air traffic controllers here spans from $46.37 at entry-level positions to $114.67 for the most experienced professionals, reflecting notable wage growth in California's aviation sector. These hourly figures, informed by annual salary data, underscore the dynamic nature of this career in Oakley.
About the Oakley 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) | $46.37 | $370.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.14 | $473.13 |
| Median (P50) | $79.94 | $639.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102.33 | $818.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114.67 | $917.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakley
Based on $79.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.94/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakley, CA can expect to earn approximately $166,282 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,932. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,197.72 | $13,857 | $166,282 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,918.63 | $8,314 | $99,769 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,279.09 | $5,543 | $66,513 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Oakley) | $79.94 |
| 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 Oakley, CA earn a median of $166,289 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.48% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.20% below the California state average of $171,786.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.94/hr = $99,769/year (purchasing power: $88,213).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $166,282/year (purchasing power: $147,022).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Oakley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $94.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Oakley grew 20.4% from $64.73/hr (2019) to $77.94/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.00/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 Oakley 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 Oakley
Considering the earning potential for part-time positions, an air traffic controller working three days a week for 24 hours could see a significant income while still enjoying ample downtime. Annually, this translates to approximately $62,093, distinct from full-time earnings which could reach upwards of $166,289. Many air traffic controllers in Oakley also take on per-diem roles or overtime shifts, often accumulating 50-60 hours of work per week, which can lead to effective compensation rates significantly above the base hourly rate. Employment in various facilities, from FAA en route centers to airport traffic control towers, impacts hourly earnings; FAA facilities typically offer higher pay compared to contract towers. Additionally, controllers may weigh the benefits of stable health insurance against higher hourly wages without benefits, reflecting personal needs and career objectives. To successfully negotiate an hourly rate, it's advisable for applicants and controllers in Oakley to research facility pay scales and consider their leverage in a competitive job market, particularly with chronic staffing shortages driving demand for qualified professionals in air traffic control roles.
More salary data for Oakley, 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 Oakley. 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 Oakley 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