Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in San Diego, CA: $87.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in San Diego, CA runs $87.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $182,015 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against San Diego's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $77.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $109,203 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Diego, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $87.50, which is significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This competitive pay reflects the demanding nature of the role, which often takes place in distinct environments such as en route centers, terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities, and control towers. For part-time and per-diem workers operating three days a week, this hourly rate can provide substantial earnings without the need for a full-time commitment. For instance, while entry-level controllers may start at about $50.75 an hour, top earners in the region could make up to $132.53. These estimates are derived from annual salary data projected for 2026, which offers valuable context for potential employers in California’s thriving aviation sector.
About the San Diego 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) | $50.75 | $406.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.01 | $504.07 |
| Median (P50) | $87.50 | $700.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $112.01 | $896.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132.53 | $1060.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Diego
Based on $87.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $87.50/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Diego, CA can expect to earn approximately $182,005 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $105,003. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Diego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Diego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,500.10 | $15,167 | $182,005 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,100.06 | $9,100 | $109,203 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,400.04 | $6,067 | $72,802 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (San Diego) | $87.50 |
| 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 Diego, CA earn a median of $182,015 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.84% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 6.00% above the California state average of $171,712.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $87.50/hr = $109,203/year (purchasing power: $96,554).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $182,005/year (purchasing power: $160,924).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$70.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$85.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$87.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in San Diego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $75.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $74.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $76.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $79.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $103.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $85.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in San Diego grew 20.4% from $70.86/hr (2019) to $85.31/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $89.75/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 Diego 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 Diego
Part-time air traffic controllers who work in San Diego for 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $68,250 annually, while those who opt for full-time roles generally earn more, particularly due to overtime opportunities. Many controllers face the reality of understaffing, often working 50-60 hours a week, which can drive their effective hourly compensation well above base rates. Per diem air traffic controller pay in San Diego may vary depending on facility needs and negotiation skills, especially when considering training requirements for agency or locum positions. Other types of employers, such as FAA ARTCCs and their counterparts, often have varied pay structures that can influence hourly earnings. Some controllers prioritize hourly pay with benefits, opting for positions that offer health insurance despite a lower rate, while others might choose freelance roles for higher pay without benefits. For those engaging in negotiations, being aware of the facility type and associated pay scales can be crucial in maximizing earning potential within San Diego’s air traffic control community.
More salary data for San Diego, 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 Diego. 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 Diego 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