Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Union City, CA: $82.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Union City, CA runs $82.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $172,167 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Union City's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,302 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Union City, California, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected at $82.77 for 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This attractive rate translates well for those seeking part-time opportunities; by working just three days a week, controllers can still earn a competitive hourly wage while balancing other life commitments. The pay range for air traffic controllers in Union City reflects a wide spectrum, starting from $48.01 at the entry-level up to $116.50 for top earners. Controllers operate in various environments, including en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers, where their decisions impact the safety and efficiency of air traffic. These hourly rates stem from annual salary estimates and highlight the financial allure of this profession in a region with a cost of living index above the national average.
About the Union City 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) | $48.01 | $384.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.93 | $479.45 |
| Median (P50) | $82.77 | $662.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104.48 | $835.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116.50 | $931.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union City
Based on $82.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.77/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union City, CA can expect to earn approximately $172,170 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,329. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,310.96 | $14,347 | $172,170 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,986.58 | $8,608 | $103,302 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,324.38 | $5,739 | $68,868 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Union City) | $82.77 |
| 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 Union City, CA earn a median of $172,167 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.35% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.20% above the California state average of $171,823.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.77/hr = $103,302/year (purchasing power: $91,337).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $172,170/year (purchasing power: $152,228).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $98.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Union City grew 20.4% from $67.03/hr (2019) to $80.70/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.90/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 Union City 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 Union City
A part-time air traffic controller working around 24 hours a week in Union City can still take home a considerable income, totaling approximately $128,000 annually, depending on their schedule and shifts. For per-diem controllers, agency pay varies widely and can often include overtime, which can significantly increase earnings—some controllers work 50-60 hours a week, resulting in an annual salary that can exceed $100,000 just from overtime. Job roles and hourly rates also differ based on the type of employer, whether it's a FAA en route center, a terminal radar approach control (TRACON), or a smaller FAA contract tower. While some controllers prioritize higher hourly rates, they might sacrifice benefits; conversely, those at facilities offering comprehensive health insurance may find lower hourly compensation but greater overall job security and benefits. Negotiating rates effectively, particularly when transitioning between facilities or taking on additional hours, can help maximize earning potential in this competitive field.
More salary data for Union City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Union City in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Union City?
Are air traffic controllers in Union City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Union City?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Union City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Union City. 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 Union City 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