Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Vallejo, CA: $81.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Vallejo, CA runs $81.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $170,036 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Vallejo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,022 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Vallejo, California, earn a median hourly rate of $81.75, which is notably higher than the national median of $73.02. This competitive pay caters not only to full-time professionals but also benefits those who work part-time, typically three days a week. For example, controllers working in en route centers, TRACON facilities, and control towers have the opportunity to generate significant income even on a reduced schedule. The hourly range for air traffic controllers in Vallejo spans from $47.42 at the lower end (entry-level positions) to $120.30 for experienced professionals in senior roles. The income potential reflects a blend of factors including demand for air traffic management, the skills required, and the environment where these controllers operate, often from windowless control rooms or elevated tower cabs that allow 360-degree visibility.
About the Vallejo 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) | $47.42 | $379.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.85 | $470.84 |
| Median (P50) | $81.75 | $653.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104.64 | $837.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120.30 | $962.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vallejo
Based on $81.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.75/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vallejo, CA can expect to earn approximately $170,036 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,098. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vallejo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vallejo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,269.93 | $14,170 | $170,036 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,961.96 | $8,502 | $102,022 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,307.97 | $5,668 | $68,015 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Vallejo) | $81.75 |
| 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 Vallejo, CA earn a median of $170,036 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.95% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.00% below the California state average of $171,754.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.75/hr = $102,022/year (purchasing power: $90,205).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $170,036/year (purchasing power: $150,342).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Vallejo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $96.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Vallejo grew 20.4% from $66.20/hr (2019) to $79.70/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.85/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 Vallejo 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 Vallejo
Delving into part-time arrangements, a controller working 24 hours a week at Vallejo's median pay would bring home approximately $64,000 annually, compared to full-time counterparts who can earn upwards of $170,036. Notably, overtime significantly boosts earnings for many controllers working at understaffed facilities, with hours extending to 50-60 per week, resulting in an effective hourly compensation that may exceed the base rate. For those in per-diem positions, especially during training at different facilities, negotiating pay can lead to varying terms that enhance overall compensation. Hourly rates differ across employer types in Vallejo; FAA facilities generally provide stability and benefits, while contract positions might offer higher pay rates but less security. Controllers must weigh the decision between accepting a lower hourly rate for consistent health insurance benefits versus a higher rate without those perks. Given the complexity of salaries in this field, understanding how to negotiate based on the job type and workload can be crucial for maximizing earnings in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Vallejo, 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 Vallejo. 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 Vallejo 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