Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Tustin, CA: $82.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Tustin, CA runs $82.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $171,609 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Tustin's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,969 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tustin, California, air traffic controllers can expect a median hourly rate of $82.51, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This premium pay reflects the challenges and responsibilities associated with managing air traffic in a bustling aviation environment. For part-time controllers who work three days a week, or those engaged in per-diem positions, this equates to a substantial income within the context of Tustin’s cost of living index, which sits at 113.1. Hourly rates vary, with entry-level positions earning around $47.85 per hour and top earners making up to $118.59. It's essential to understand that these figures are derived from projected annual salary rates and provide a clear picture of what individuals in this field could expect to earn on an hourly basis in Tustin.
About the Tustin 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) | $47.85 | $382.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.40 | $475.19 |
| Median (P50) | $82.51 | $660.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105.61 | $844.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118.59 | $948.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tustin
Based on $82.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.51/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tustin, CA can expect to earn approximately $171,615 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,009. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tustin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tustin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,300.29 | $14,301 | $171,615 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,980.18 | $8,581 | $102,969 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,320.12 | $5,721 | $68,646 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Tustin) | $82.51 |
| 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 Tustin, CA earn a median of $171,609 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.99% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.10% below the California state average of $171,781.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.51/hr = $102,969/year (purchasing power: $91,043).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $171,615/year (purchasing power: $151,738).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Tustin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $97.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Tustin grew 20.4% from $66.81/hr (2019) to $80.44/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.63/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 Tustin 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 Tustin
For a part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home income can be quite attractive, potentially reaching upwards of $115,000, depending on hours worked and any overtime accrued. Many air traffic controllers in the area, particularly those working in understaffed facilities, find themselves working 50 to 60 hours a week, where overtime pay can significantly elevate effective hourly compensation. This is especially true for positions involving per-diem air traffic controller pay in Tustin, which may offer flexible hours during training periods at various facilities. Controllers working for the FAA can expect different pay structures based on employment type, with those in en route centers or TRACONs generally seeing higher compensation than those in smaller, FAA contract towers. Additionally, many controllers weigh the benefits of health insurance against hourly pay rates, often opting for government employment for stability even at a somewhat lower hourly wage. Therefore, negotiation plays a critical role for hourly workers in Tustin; understanding the specific conditions, overtime opportunities, and the dynamics of the FAA pay scale can empower controllers to make informed decisions in their careers.
More salary data for Tustin, 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 Tustin. 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 Tustin 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