Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Victorville, CA: $81.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Victorville, CA runs $81.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $169,176 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Victorville's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $101,510 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Victorville, California, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to reach $81.34 in 2026, significantly above the national median of $73.02. This competitive rate makes it appealing for both part-time and per-diem workers, particularly in environments like en route center radar consoles and airport traffic control towers. Those working only three days a week can earn substantial hourly wages while managing traffic in facilities that often require precision and focus. The hourly earning range varies broadly from approximately $47.17 for entry-level positions up to around $118.66 for the most experienced controllers, reflecting a structure that rewards expertise and responsibility in high-pressure settings.
About the Victorville 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) | $47.17 | $377.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.56 | $468.46 |
| Median (P50) | $81.34 | $650.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104.11 | $832.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118.66 | $949.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Victorville
Based on $81.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.34/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Victorville, CA can expect to earn approximately $169,183 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,606. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Victorville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Victorville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,253.52 | $14,099 | $169,183 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,952.11 | $8,459 | $101,510 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,301.41 | $5,639 | $67,673 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Victorville) | $81.34 |
| 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 Victorville, CA earn a median of $169,176 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.38% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% below the California state average of $171,752.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.34/hr = $101,510/year (purchasing power: $89,752).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $169,183/year (purchasing power: $149,587).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Victorville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $96.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Victorville grew 20.4% from $65.86/hr (2019) to $79.30/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.43/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 Victorville 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 Victorville
For those considering a career as an air traffic controller in Victorville, part-time positions can yield different earning scenarios. A controller working three days a week might generate a comfortable annual income, though definitely less than full-time colleagues who often clock additional hours for overtime pay. In many cases, controllers at understaffed facilities are logging 50-60 hours each week, resulting in effective hourly compensation that can leap well beyond the standard base rate, supplemented by overtime accumulations. Employers vary in compensation philosophies; FAA en route centers might offer stability and benefits, while private contractors may present a higher hourly rate but less security. This variance underlines the trade-offs individuals face: higher pay may come without health benefits, while more traditional roles may lock you into standard hours but with comprehensive coverage. Thus, negotiating, especially regarding benefits versus hourly pay, becomes a crucial skill for prospective controllers in Victorville.
More salary data for Victorville, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Victorville. 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 Victorville 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