Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Stockton, CA: $84.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Stockton, CA runs $84.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $176,786 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Stockton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $106,067 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Stockton, California, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to be $84.99 in 2026, which notably exceeds the national hourly median of $73.02. This difference signifies a competitive advantage for controllers working in the area. For those who opt for part-time roles, typically committing to three days a week, this translates into a substantial earning potential, even as they navigate demanding environments like en route centers controlling high-altitude traffic or busy control towers. In Stockton, the hourly pay range extends from $49.30 at entry-level positions to $128.55 for the most experienced controllers, reflecting the significant expertise and responsibility required in various control settings. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, illustrating the lucrative aspects of this career, especially within this specific locality.
About the Stockton 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) | $49.30 | $394.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.19 | $489.55 |
| Median (P50) | $84.99 | $679.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108.80 | $870.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128.55 | $1028.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stockton
Based on $84.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $84.99/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stockton, CA can expect to earn approximately $176,778 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $101,987. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Stockton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stockton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,399.58 | $14,732 | $176,778 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,039.75 | $8,839 | $106,067 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,359.83 | $5,893 | $70,711 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Stockton) | $84.99 |
| 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 Stockton, CA earn a median of $176,786 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.39% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.90% above the California state average of $171,803.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $84.99/hr = $106,067/year (purchasing power: $93,782).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $176,778/year (purchasing power: $156,303).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$68.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$82.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$84.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Stockton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $72.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $72.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $74.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $76.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $100.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $82.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Stockton grew 20.4% from $68.82/hr (2019) to $82.86/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $87.17/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 Stockton 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 Stockton
Despite the promising base hourly rate in Stockton, part-time air traffic controllers working for 24 hours each week can expect a considerably reduced annual income compared to their full-time counterparts, which can impact their overall financial stability. On the other hand, per-diem air traffic controller pay in Stockton can be particularly advantageous, as controllers taking on overtime often see their effective hourly compensation soar with 1.5 times the base rate kicking in. Many controllers are currently logging 50 to 60 hours per week, allowing for annual earnings that could exceed $50,000 to $100,000 from overtime alone. Additionally, hourly rates vary widely based on employer types, with FAA facilities generally offering more robust compensation than contract towers. Some controllers may choose to accept lower hourly wages for the benefits associated with federal employment, while others will pursue higher hourly rates but without similar perks. Negotiating for higher hourly pay can be essential, particularly in a market like Stockton's, where the balance of pay and benefits can influence career longevity and satisfaction.
More salary data for Stockton, 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 Stockton. 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 Stockton 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