Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Upland, CA: $79.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Upland, CA runs $79.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $166,125 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Upland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,679 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a projected hourly rate of $79.87 for air traffic controllers in Upland, California, these professionals earn well above the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This competitive pay reflects the significant responsibilities and high-stakes environment they operate in, typically from en route center radar consoles in dimly lit control rooms to bustling traffic management cells coordinating the flow of aircraft. For those considering part-time work, a controller on a 3-day workweek schedule can efficiently earn around $61,530 annually, while the hourly pay range from $46.32 for entry-level positions up to $117.64 for experienced controllers indicates substantial earning potential. It’s worth noting that these figures are derived from annual salary data, emphasizing the lucrative opportunities available in Upland for air traffic controllers.
About the Upland 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) | $46.32 | $370.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.50 | $460.01 |
| Median (P50) | $79.87 | $638.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102.23 | $817.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117.64 | $941.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Upland
Based on $79.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.87/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Upland, CA can expect to earn approximately $166,132 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,846. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Upland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Upland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,194.85 | $13,844 | $166,132 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,916.91 | $8,307 | $99,679 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,277.94 | $5,538 | $66,453 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Upland) | $79.87 |
| 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 Upland, CA earn a median of $166,125 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.37% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.30% below the California state average of $171,795.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.87/hr = $99,679/year (purchasing power: $88,134).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $166,132/year (purchasing power: $146,890).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Upland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $94.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Upland grew 20.4% from $64.68/hr (2019) to $77.87/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.92/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 Upland 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 Upland
The part-time earning potential in Upland is compelling, especially for those working three days a week; a controller can secure a respectable income without committing to full-time hours. This flexibility allows air traffic controllers to balance work with other commitments while still bringing home a competitive paycheck. For per-diem positions or those utilizing agency placements, the compensation can become even more advantageous. Controllers often earn overtime at a rate of 1.5 times their base pay, which can significantly augment their effective hourly compensation, especially at busy facilities where staff shortages push many to work 50-60 hours a week, potentially bringing in an additional $50,000 to $100,000 annually from overtime alone. Various employer types, such as FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities, and military air traffic control, showcase a range of hourly compensations consistent with the specific demands of each role. Those opting for positions offering lower hourly rates may weigh their choices against health insurance benefits. When negotiating, it's beneficial for hourly workers in Upland to highlight their experience and the high turnover rates in air traffic control, potentially gaining leverage for a more favorable hourly rate amidst ongoing staffing demands.
More salary data for Upland, 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 Upland. 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 Upland 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