Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Yuba City, CA: $81.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Yuba City, CA runs $81.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $170,452 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Yuba City's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,265 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Yuba City, California, air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $81.94 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. This rate reflects the specialized skills required for the position and the associated responsibilities involved in air traffic management. For those looking to work part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly compensation can be quite attractive. Part-time controllers can still expect a robust pay structure while juggling other commitments. In Yuba City, the hourly pay spans between $47.53 for entry-level positions to $116.67 for top earners, creating significant earning potential within the profession. Positions typically found in control environments range from en route center radar consoles to airport towers, all of which showcase the intricacies and demands of this critical role.
About the Yuba City 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) | $47.53 | $380.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.14 | $481.09 |
| Median (P50) | $81.94 | $655.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104.24 | $833.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116.67 | $933.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Yuba City
Based on $81.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.94/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Yuba City, CA can expect to earn approximately $170,442 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,332. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Yuba City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Yuba City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,277.73 | $14,203 | $170,442 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,966.64 | $8,522 | $102,265 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,311.09 | $5,681 | $68,177 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Yuba City) | $81.94 |
| 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 Yuba City, CA earn a median of $170,452 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.22% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the California state average of $171,826.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.94/hr = $102,265/year (purchasing power: $90,420).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $170,442/year (purchasing power: $150,700).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Yuba City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $97.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Yuba City grew 20.4% from $66.35/hr (2019) to $79.89/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.05/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 Yuba City 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 Yuba City
Evaluating the practical earning landscape for air traffic controllers in Yuba City, working part-time for three days per week translates to a substantial income, particularly when factoring in the potential overtime for those employed full-time. Controllers often find themselves clocking in 50-60 hours weekly, leading to significant overtime compensation that can enhance their overall earnings considerably. Per diem pay for air traffic controllers can offer flexibility, especially for those transitioning facilities or engaging in specialized training, with negotiation opportunities often available. Hourly rates differ across various employers in Yuba City, such as FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and military air traffic control units. Additionally, controllers have to weigh the benefits of stable federal employment versus potentially lower hourly rates offered by contractors, balancing pay with comprehensive benefits. For anyone pursuing air traffic controller roles in Yuba City, being savvy about negotiations and understanding the nuances between facility types is essential for maximizing hourly compensation.
More salary data for Yuba City, 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 Yuba City. 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 Yuba City 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