Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in San Rafael, CA: $83.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in San Rafael, CA runs $83.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $174,289 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against San Rafael's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $104,569 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly rate for an air traffic controller in San Rafael, CA, is projected to be $83.79, which is notably higher than the national median of $73.02. This substantial difference indicates the potential for lucrative earnings, even for part-time controllers who may work three days a week. In typical settings, such as en route centers and airport traffic control towers, this pay allows for a comfortable lifestyle in an area that has a cost of living index above the national average. Entry-level positions in San Rafael will see hourly rates starting around $48.60, while experienced controllers can earn as much as $119.76 an hour. This strong hourly range reflects the varying responsibilities and skill levels associated with the role, from managing en route traffic to coordinating operations in busy terminals.
About the San Rafael 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) | $48.60 | $388.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.33 | $482.65 |
| Median (P50) | $83.79 | $670.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107.05 | $856.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119.76 | $958.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Rafael
Based on $83.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.79/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Rafael, CA can expect to earn approximately $174,282 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,547. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Rafael.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Rafael
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,351.58 | $14,524 | $174,282 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,010.95 | $8,714 | $104,569 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,340.63 | $5,809 | $69,713 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (San Rafael) | $83.79 |
| 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 Rafael, CA earn a median of $174,289 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.75% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% above the California state average of $171,713.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.79/hr = $104,569/year (purchasing power: $92,457).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $174,282/year (purchasing power: $154,096).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $99.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in San Rafael grew 20.4% from $67.85/hr (2019) to $81.69/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.94/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 Rafael 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 Rafael
Considering the realities of part-time work, a three-day commitment of twenty-four hours means a potential take-home of approximately $109,000 annually, a substantial income that still surpasses many other professions. The per diem air traffic controller pay in San Rafael can be particularly appealing as it often includes opportunities for overtime, raising earnings significantly. Controllers frequently log 50-60 hours weekly, taking advantage of overtime pay, which can add $50,000-$100,000 to annual compensation. Employers in this sector include FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach control facilities, and smaller contract towers. While some may choose agencies that offer higher hourly rates without benefits, the trade-off often comes down to job security and health coverage offered by federal positions. Negotiation strategies should focus on understanding the pay scale differences across these employer types and being ready to discuss the value of benefits in conjunction with hourly rates.
More salary data for San Rafael, 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 Rafael. 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 Rafael 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