Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Whittier, CA: $83.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Whittier, CA runs $83.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $174,302 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Whittier's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $104,582 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The hourly compensation for air traffic controllers in Whittier, California, is projected to be $83.80 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This rate reflects a competitive advantage for local controllers, especially those working in busy environments like TRACON radar facilities and airport control tower cabs. For part-time controllers working three days a week, the hourly rate translates to around $2,224 per week, offering a robust earning potential of approximately $116,626 annually if they maintain a regular schedule. The hourly wage ranges from $48.61 for entry-level positions to as high as $119.83 for the top 10% of earners. Note that these figures are derived from estimated annual salary data and provide insight into the earnings landscape within this demanding profession.
About the Whittier 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) | $48.61 | $388.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.33 | $482.65 |
| Median (P50) | $83.80 | $670.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107.17 | $857.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119.83 | $958.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Whittier
Based on $83.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.80/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Whittier, CA can expect to earn approximately $174,303 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,560. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Whittier.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Whittier
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,351.99 | $14,525 | $174,303 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,011.19 | $8,715 | $104,582 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,340.80 | $5,810 | $69,721 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Whittier) | $83.80 |
| 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 Whittier, CA earn a median of $174,302 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.76% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% above the California state average of $171,726.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.80/hr = $104,582/year (purchasing power: $92,469).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $174,303/year (purchasing power: $154,114).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Whittier (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $99.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Whittier grew 20.4% from $67.86/hr (2019) to $81.70/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.95/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 Whittier 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 Whittier
When considering part-time positions, controllers who work 24 hours a week can earn substantial income, potentially totaling around $116,626 without the typical overtime that full-time staff may enjoy. Many controllers working in understaffed facilities often find themselves clocking in 50-60 hours a week due to chronic shortages, which can push their earnings well over the base hourly rate when factoring in overtime pay at 1.5x. The variability in hourly rates is also influenced by employer type; for instance, FAA en route centers typically offer higher hourly wages compared to contract towers. Additionally, some controllers may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, creating a delicate balance between immediate income and longer-term health security. For those pursuing per diem air traffic controller pay in Whittier, negotiation skills are crucial, especially regarding training schedules and contracts, which can significantly affect overall compensation.
More salary data for Whittier, 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 Whittier. 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 Whittier 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