Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Rancho Cucamonga, CA: $83.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Rancho Cucamonga, CA runs $83.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $174,131 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Rancho Cucamonga's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $104,480 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $83.72, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This competitive rate reflects both the demand for skilled air traffic controllers and the cost of living in the area, which is slightly above the national average. Controllers often work in various environments, including en route centers and airport traffic control towers, where they can choose part-time schedules, typically around three days a week. This flexibility makes it appealing for those seeking a work-life balance or supplementary income. The hourly rates for air traffic controllers can vary widely; entry-level positions might earn approximately $48.56, while experienced controllers can make as much as $121.60 per hour. These figures, derived from annual salary data, illustrate the potential earnings across different experience levels.
About the Rancho Cucamonga 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) | $48.56 | $388.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.97 | $487.74 |
| Median (P50) | $83.72 | $669.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107.15 | $857.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121.60 | $972.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cucamonga
Based on $83.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.72/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cucamonga, CA can expect to earn approximately $174,133 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,461. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cucamonga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cucamonga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,348.71 | $14,511 | $174,133 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,009.22 | $8,707 | $104,480 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,339.48 | $5,804 | $69,653 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Rancho Cucamonga) | $83.72 |
| 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 Rancho Cucamonga, CA earn a median of $174,131 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.65% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% above the California state average of $171,727.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.72/hr = $104,480/year (purchasing power: $92,378).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $174,133/year (purchasing power: $153,963).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Rancho Cucamonga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $99.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Rancho Cucamonga grew 20.4% from $67.79/hr (2019) to $81.62/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.87/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 Rancho Cucamonga 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 Rancho Cucamonga
For those considering a part-time role, working three days a week at 24 hours in a given month allows a controller to take home around $101,709 annually — a solid income for less than full-time work. Additionally, many air traffic controllers engage in per diem work, particularly during training sessions or when facilities are understaffed, with the potential to earn significantly more through overtime and agency positions. Controllers often work 50-60 hours a week, making overtime pay at 1.5 times their base rate a reality, pushing annual earnings close to $100,000 or more in many cases. Employment across various types of facilities also influences hourly pay. For instance, controllers in FAA en route centers may secure higher compensation compared to those in contract towers, but they often trade off benefits for a higher hourly rate. Prospective employees should consider these nuances when negotiating their pay, assessing not only the hourly rate but also the benefits provided based on their employer type in Rancho Cucamonga.
More salary data for Rancho Cucamonga, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Rancho Cucamonga in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Rancho Cucamonga?
Are air traffic controllers in Rancho Cucamonga paid hourly or salary?
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Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Rancho Cucamonga?
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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 Rancho Cucamonga. 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 Rancho Cucamonga 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