Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Yucaipa, CA: $81.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Yucaipa, CA runs $81.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $170,534 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Yucaipa's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,316 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Yucaipa, California, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $81.98 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $73.02. This competitive hourly pay reflects the demanding work environments typical for controllers, including en route centers and TRACON facilities. For part-time professionals working just three days a week, this rate translates to a substantial income, particularly when combined with the unique operational settings such as the high-stakes airport traffic control towers and FAA Academy training facilities. Entry-level air traffic controllers can expect an hourly pay starting at $47.55, while top earners can make up to $122.02. Given the critical role they play in managing air traffic, the hourly compensation illustrates both their responsibility and the necessary investment in skilled labor to ensure efficient air operations in the region.
About the Yucaipa 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) | $47.55 | $380.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.21 | $481.67 |
| Median (P50) | $81.98 | $655.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104.94 | $839.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122.02 | $976.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Yucaipa
Based on $81.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.98/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Yucaipa, CA can expect to earn approximately $170,527 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,381. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Yucaipa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Yucaipa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,279.37 | $14,211 | $170,527 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,967.62 | $8,526 | $102,316 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,311.75 | $5,684 | $68,211 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Yucaipa) | $81.98 |
| 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 Yucaipa, CA earn a median of $170,534 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.28% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% below the California state average of $171,736.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.98/hr = $102,316/year (purchasing power: $90,465).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $170,527/year (purchasing power: $150,776).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Yucaipa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $97.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Yucaipa grew 20.4% from $66.39/hr (2019) to $79.93/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.09/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 Yucaipa 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 Yucaipa
When examining the broader context of air traffic controller hourly pay in Yucaipa, potential part-time controllers can anticipate a solid income even when only working 24 hours per week. This translates into a lucrative annual income that far exceeds typical part-time roles. Many air traffic controllers also engage in per diem arrangements, particularly when undergoing facility transfer training, enhancing their earning potential even further. With the pressing need for staffing in many FAA facilities, controllers often find themselves working overtime to manage the volume of aircraft under their supervision. This needs-based overtime can elevate effective hourly earnings significantly above base rates. Hourly pay tends to fluctuate across employer types; FAA en route centers and terminal facilities often provide more comprehensive compensation packages compared to smaller contract towers. Negotiating for the best terms — especially regarding benefits versus pay — is crucial for maximizing earnings in this competitive field.
More salary data for Yucaipa, 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 Yucaipa. 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 Yucaipa 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