Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Richmond, CA: $84.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Richmond, CA runs $84.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $175,034 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $105,017 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richmond, CA, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $84.15, considerably higher than the national median of $73.02. This robust compensation reflects the area's demand for qualified professionals, particularly in environments such as busy airport control towers and radar facilities. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this pay structure translates into approximately $1,350 weekly for a 24-hour schedule, creating a viable income for those balancing other commitments or pursuing positions as per diem personnel. Entry-level positions may see hourly earnings starting at $48.80, while experienced controllers reaching the top of the pay scale can command as much as $123.34 per hour. The variation in hourly pay is largely influenced by experience, facility type, and the complexities of air traffic management.
About the Richmond 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) | $48.80 | $390.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.59 | $484.70 |
| Median (P50) | $84.15 | $673.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107.71 | $861.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123.34 | $986.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $84.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $84.15/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, CA can expect to earn approximately $175,029 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,978. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,365.94 | $14,586 | $175,029 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,019.56 | $8,751 | $105,017 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,346.37 | $5,834 | $70,011 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Richmond) | $84.15 |
| 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 Richmond, CA earn a median of $175,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.24% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.90% above the California state average of $171,770.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $84.15/hr = $105,017/year (purchasing power: $92,853).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $175,029/year (purchasing power: $154,756).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$68.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$82.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$84.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $72.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $73.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $76.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $99.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $82.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Richmond grew 20.4% from $68.14/hr (2019) to $82.04/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $86.31/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
For part-time air traffic controllers, the earning potential is substantial, but those operating in per-diem roles can see even greater financial flexibility. Working three days a week versus a full-time 40-hour schedule allows for a significant adjustment in lifestyle and work-life balance. Moreover, many controllers manage to substantially enhance their take-home pay through overtime—often earning time-and-a-half due to chronic staffing shortages in the region. With some controllers clocking 50 to 60 hours a week, annual compensation can exceed $50,000 in overtime alone, underscoring the financial incentives of the profession. Various organizational structures in Richmond, including FAA ARTCCs, TRACONs, and military ATC facilities, offer differing pay scales, with established FAA positions typically providing comprehensive benefits that can outweigh higher hourly rates at contract towers. When negotiating, controllers should emphasize their unique skill set and operational experience, which can influence pay negotiations and overall compensation packages, particularly in a competitive and understaffed market.
More salary data for Richmond, 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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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