Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in San Clemente, CA: $82.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in San Clemente, CA runs $82.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $170,833 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against San Clemente's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,495 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Clemente, California, air traffic controllers receive a median hourly pay of $82.13, which surpasses the national median hourly rate of $73.02 by an attractive margin of 12.47%. This rate reflects the expertise required in managing air traffic efficiently across various settings, from the enclosed environments of en route center radar consoles to the expansive 360-degree views from airport traffic control tower cabs. For those working part-time at three days a week, this translates to approximately $6,309 in weekly earnings, making it a viable option for many professionals seeking work-life balance. Additionally, hourly rates in San Clemente span from $47.63 for entry-level positions to $122.31 for experienced controllers, providing ample opportunity for career growth within the profession.
About the San Clemente 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) | $47.63 | $381.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.13 | $473.05 |
| Median (P50) | $82.13 | $657.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105.12 | $840.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122.31 | $978.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Clemente
Based on $82.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.13/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Clemente, CA can expect to earn approximately $170,826 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,553. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Clemente.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Clemente
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,285.11 | $14,235 | $170,826 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,971.07 | $8,541 | $102,495 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,314.04 | $5,694 | $68,330 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (San Clemente) | $82.13 |
| 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 Clemente, CA earn a median of $170,833 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.47% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% below the California state average of $171,865.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.13/hr = $102,495/year (purchasing power: $90,624).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $170,826/year (purchasing power: $151,040).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $97.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in San Clemente grew 20.4% from $66.50/hr (2019) to $80.07/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.24/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 Clemente 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 Clemente
Looking closer at the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in San Clemente, working just 24 hours a week results in an annual income of approximately $196,728 if a stricter full-time schedule is avoided—highlighting how manageable hours can lead to impressive compensation. Overtime is another significant contributor to earnings in this field. Many controllers often take on extra hours, earning as much as 1.5 times their base rate, which can elevate total compensation significantly—often exceeding base earnings by $50,000 to $100,000 annually. The distinction between FAA staffing options, such as en route centers and TRACONs, also plays a role in salary negotiations. Controllers in different facility types may experience varying hourly rates and benefits packages, where some may opt for higher hourly pay without benefits, while others may choose stability with lower pay but better health insurance. Negotiating salary can hinge on these choices, where effectively communicating your needs and the unique pressures of the San Clemente air traffic control environment can lead to better offers in an increasingly competitive field.
More salary data for San Clemente, 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 San Clemente. 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 Clemente 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