Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Vacaville, CA: $82.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Vacaville, CA runs $82.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $171,425 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Vacaville's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,854 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vacaville, California, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at $82.41, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. This competitive rate provides an attractive opportunity for both full-time and part-time professionals in this crucial field. For those working part-time, such as controllers who may prefer a three-day work week, this hourly rate translates to a substantial weekly income while allowing for personal time. The salary range for air traffic controllers in the area varies from $47.80 for entry-level positions to an impressive $125.70 for top earners, aligning with the dynamic responsibilities they undertake at various facility types, including en route centers and airport control towers. These figures derive from annual salary projections, emphasizing the importance of understanding hourly pay amid varying work settings.
About the Vacaville 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) | $47.80 | $382.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.34 | $474.69 |
| Median (P50) | $82.41 | $659.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105.49 | $843.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125.70 | $1005.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vacaville
Based on $82.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.41/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vacaville, CA can expect to earn approximately $171,423 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,898. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vacaville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vacaville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,296.60 | $14,285 | $171,423 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,977.96 | $8,571 | $102,854 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,318.64 | $5,714 | $68,569 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Vacaville) | $82.41 |
| 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 Vacaville, CA earn a median of $171,425 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.86% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.20% below the California state average of $171,769.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.41/hr = $102,854/year (purchasing power: $90,941).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $171,423/year (purchasing power: $151,568).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Vacaville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $97.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Vacaville grew 20.4% from $66.74/hr (2019) to $80.35/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.53/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 Vacaville 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 Vacaville
Realistically, a part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours a week could take home a notable annual income, significantly above average earnings in other fields. Additionally, for those seeking per diem opportunities, opportunities abound, especially for seasoned controllers transferring to new facilities or handling temporary staffing needs. Overtime remains a common aspect of the profession, and many experienced controllers work between 50 to 60 hours weekly due to the ongoing staffing challenges within the FAA. This can lead to substantial increases in overall compensation, pushing earnings well over regular hourly rates. In Vacaville, hourly rates might vary depending on employment types; controllers at FAA en route centers and military installations may experience different pay scales and benefits. Some professionals choose positions offering lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize compensation without benefits. Negotiating pay can be advantageous, particularly in the face of the high demand for qualified air traffic controllers across California.
More salary data for Vacaville, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Vacaville in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Vacaville?
Are air traffic controllers in Vacaville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Vacaville?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Vacaville?
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 Vacaville. 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 Vacaville 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