Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Pasadena, CA: $83.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Pasadena, CA runs $83.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $173,104 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,865 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Pasadena, California, are expected to earn a median hourly rate of $83.23 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $73.02. This competitive hourly pay reflects the demanding nature of the job, typically performed in settings such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. For part-time air traffic controllers working three days a week, this rate translates to substantial income, reaching over $5,600 per month based on a 24-hour workweek. Entry-level controllers can expect to earn $48.27, while top earners may achieve rates as high as $125.27 per hour. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, indicating the financial rewards of this crucial role in ensuring air traffic safety and efficiency.
About the Pasadena 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) | $48.27 | $386.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.92 | $479.37 |
| Median (P50) | $83.23 | $665.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106.53 | $852.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125.27 | $1002.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $83.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.23/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, CA can expect to earn approximately $173,109 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,870. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,329.01 | $14,426 | $173,109 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,997.41 | $8,655 | $103,865 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,331.60 | $5,770 | $69,243 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Pasadena) | $83.23 |
| 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 Pasadena, CA earn a median of $173,104 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.97% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% above the California state average of $171,730.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.23/hr = $103,865/year (purchasing power: $91,835).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $173,109/year (purchasing power: $153,058).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $98.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Pasadena grew 20.4% from $67.39/hr (2019) to $81.14/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.36/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
Considering the variability in work schedules, part-time controllers earning an hourly pay, such as in Pasadena, can take home a different amount annually compared to their full-time counterparts. A typical part-time schedule could yield an annual gross income of about $92,000, while many full-time controllers find added financial compensation through overtime—often working 50 to 60 hours per week, which significantly raises their effective hourly earnings. This is particularly true in settings where chronic understaffing can drive overtime demands, with some controllers raking in an additional $50,000 to $100,000 per year. The type of employer also plays a critical role in compensation, with FAA facilities being the primary options for controllers, while FAA contract towers may offer lower hourly pay but can provide distinct negotiation advantages. With many controllers weighing the benefits of stable, lower hourly rates with health insurance against the higher pay potential without benefits, it’s vital for new entrants to assess their priorities when considering the air traffic controller hourly pay in Pasadena.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Pasadena in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Pasadena?
Are air traffic controllers in Pasadena paid hourly or salary?
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Related Pages
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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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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