Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Salinas, CA: $83.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Salinas, CA runs $83.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $174,534 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Salinas's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $104,723 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salinas, California, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $83.91, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This attractive compensation not only reflects the demanding nature of their work but also the specialized skills required in various settings, such as en route centers, terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities, and airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into substantial earnings, providing a solid financial footing for those looking to balance work and life. The hourly range for air traffic controllers in Salinas extends from $48.67 for entry-level positions to $127.93 for top earners, allowing flexibility for a diverse workforce that may include per-diem and agency workers who take on shifts as needed across the region.
About the Salinas 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) | $48.67 | $389.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.41 | $483.31 |
| Median (P50) | $83.91 | $671.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107.40 | $859.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127.93 | $1023.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salinas
Based on $83.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.91/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salinas, CA can expect to earn approximately $174,538 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,695. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salinas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salinas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,356.50 | $14,545 | $174,538 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,013.90 | $8,727 | $104,723 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,342.60 | $5,818 | $69,815 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Salinas) | $83.91 |
| 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 Salinas, CA earn a median of $174,534 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.91% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.60% above the California state average of $171,786.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.91/hr = $104,723/year (purchasing power: $92,593).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $174,538/year (purchasing power: $154,322).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Salinas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $72.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $73.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $99.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Salinas grew 20.4% from $67.95/hr (2019) to $81.81/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $86.07/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 Salinas 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 Salinas
For those considering part-time work, a controller working 24 hours per week at the hourly rate can achieve a notable annual take-home amount versus a full-time commitment. Overtime is another factor significantly influencing compensation; many controllers find themselves working 50-60 hours per week due to chronic staffing shortages, which can sometimes boost their effective hourly income considerably through time-and-a-half pay. The varying employer types in Salinas—from FAA en route centers to contract towers—offer different benefits packages, leading some to opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health insurance. When negotiating pay, especially in an environment where the demand for air traffic controllers persists, it’s beneficial to weigh hourly wage against benefits, considering the context of mandatory retirement at age 56 and the prevalent understaffing in the industry. Understanding the nuances of pay in relation to personal circumstances can be vital for aspiring controllers navigating their career paths.
More salary data for Salinas, 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 Salinas. 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 Salinas 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