Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Petaluma, CA: $80.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Petaluma, CA runs $80.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $168,438 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Petaluma's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $101,062 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Petaluma, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $80.98, which notably exceeds the national hourly median of $73.02. This higher pay reflects the local demand for skilled professionals in an industry that often requires controllers to manage traffic from various types of facilities, including en route centers and airport traffic control towers. Those choosing part-time schedules, for example, working three days a week, can expect substantial hourly earnings, making this a viable option for those seeking flexibility. Furthermore, the hourly range in Petaluma allows entry-level controllers to start at approximately $46.97, while top earners can command rates as high as $118.53, providing opportunities for both new entrants and seasoned industry veterans to thrive in this field.
About the Petaluma 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) | $46.97 | $375.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.30 | $466.41 |
| Median (P50) | $80.98 | $647.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.66 | $829.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118.53 | $948.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Petaluma
Based on $80.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.98/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Petaluma, CA can expect to earn approximately $168,436 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,175. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Petaluma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Petaluma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,239.16 | $14,036 | $168,436 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,943.50 | $8,422 | $101,062 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,295.66 | $5,615 | $67,375 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Petaluma) | $80.98 |
| 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 Petaluma, CA earn a median of $168,438 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.90% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.90% below the California state average of $171,701.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.98/hr = $101,062/year (purchasing power: $89,356).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $168,436/year (purchasing power: $148,927).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Petaluma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $95.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Petaluma grew 20.4% from $65.57/hr (2019) to $78.95/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.06/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 Petaluma 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 Petaluma
Part-time controllers working in Penaluma have the potential to take home a significant annual income, even if they work less than the typical full-time schedule. For instance, a 3-day workweek would yield around 24 hours, translating to a respectable income while still enjoying a desirable work-life balance. Many air traffic controllers find themselves taking on per-diem positions or agency work, particularly at understaffed facilities, which can lead to considerable overtime earnings. It’s common for controllers to log in 50-60 hours a week, earning far beyond their base pay due to time-and-a-half compensation. Whether employed by FAA en route centers, TRACON facilities, or contract towers, the hourly rates can vary, influencing total earnings. Controllers often weigh the pros and cons of hourly pay against benefits, such as health insurance, prompting some to opt for lower pay with better job security. Negotiating pay in Petaluma can be influenced by these factors, allowing candidates and employers to reach agreements that align with the unique dynamics of the local air traffic control market.
More salary data for Petaluma, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Petaluma in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Petaluma?
Are air traffic controllers in Petaluma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Petaluma?
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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 Petaluma. 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 Petaluma 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