Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in San Buenaventura, CA: $83.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in San Buenaventura, CA runs $83.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $173,493 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against San Buenaventura's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $104,096 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Buenaventura, California, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers is $83.41, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. This elevated rate reflects the high demand for experienced air traffic controllers, especially those working in environments such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers. For part-time employees working three days a week, this translates into a lucrative opportunity for those in a fast-paced, often high-pressure job setting. The salary range for air traffic controllers in San Buenaventura goes from $48.38 at the lower end (P10) to $126.14 for more experienced professionals (P90), indicating a significant variance based on expertise and facility type. These figures are estimated from annual salary data, revealing a robust earning potential for those pursuing a career in air traffic control in this California city.
About the San Buenaventura 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) | $48.38 | $387.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.37 | $482.98 |
| Median (P50) | $83.41 | $667.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106.77 | $854.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126.14 | $1009.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Buenaventura
Based on $83.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.41/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Buenaventura, CA can expect to earn approximately $173,493 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,092. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Buenaventura.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Buenaventura
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,336.40 | $14,458 | $173,493 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,001.84 | $8,675 | $104,096 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,334.56 | $5,783 | $69,397 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (San Buenaventura) | $83.41 |
| 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 San Buenaventura, CA earn a median of $173,493 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.23% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.00% above the California state average of $171,775.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.41/hr = $104,096/year (purchasing power: $92,039).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $173,493/year (purchasing power: $153,398).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in San Buenaventura (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $98.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in San Buenaventura grew 20.4% from $67.54/hr (2019) to $81.32/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.55/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 San Buenaventura 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 San Buenaventura
When considering the financial prospects of air traffic controllers in San Buenaventura, part-time work at 24 hours weekly yields a solid income, although full-time earnings significantly enhance financial security. Controllers at facilities with chronic staffing issues often find themselves working overtime, driving their effective hourly compensation well above the base rate. Per-diem arrangements for agency or temporary positions can further augment earnings, particularly for those engaged in training or transitioning between facilities, where daily pay is negotiable. Across various employer types, from FAA en route centers to military ATC facilities, hourly rates tend to vary, with some opting for slightly lower payments in exchange for better healthcare benefits. Effective negotiation strategies are crucial for hourly workers, especially in a city like San Buenaventura where competitive compensation can differ widely among employers. Balancing hourly pay with benefits and job security remains a critical consideration for professionals in the air traffic control profession.
More salary data for San Buenaventura, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in San Buenaventura in 2026?
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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 San Buenaventura. 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 San Buenaventura 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