Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Fullerton, CA: $84.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Fullerton, CA runs $84.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $176,463 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Fullerton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $105,875 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fullerton, California, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $84.84, which surpasses the national median of $73.02. This elevated hourly pay reflects not just the higher cost of living in California, but also the demands associated with managing air traffic across busy airspaces. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this translates to substantial earnings while also allowing flexibility. Per-diem opportunities are also commonly available, particularly in settings such as en route centers and airport traffic control towers, where controllers oversee aircraft operations from various vantage points. The hourly pay ranges from $49.20 at the entry level to $125.77 for those at the top of the profession, which accurately indicates the potential for salary growth as controllers gain experience and proficiency in their roles.
About the Fullerton 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) | $49.20 | $393.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.08 | $488.64 |
| Median (P50) | $84.84 | $678.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108.59 | $868.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125.77 | $1006.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fullerton
Based on $84.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $84.84/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fullerton, CA can expect to earn approximately $176,458 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $101,803. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fullerton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fullerton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,393.43 | $14,705 | $176,458 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,036.06 | $8,823 | $105,875 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,357.37 | $5,882 | $70,583 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Fullerton) | $84.84 |
| 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 Fullerton, CA earn a median of $176,463 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.18% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.70% above the California state average of $171,824.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $84.84/hr = $105,875/year (purchasing power: $93,612).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $176,458/year (purchasing power: $156,020).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$68.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$82.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$84.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Fullerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $72.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $72.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $73.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $76.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $100.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $82.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Fullerton grew 20.4% from $68.70/hr (2019) to $82.71/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $87.02/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 Fullerton 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 Fullerton
For air traffic controllers in Fullerton, the earning potential becomes even more noteworthy when considering various employment settings and schedules. A part-time controller working 24 hours a week could see annual earnings that essentially mimic a full-time salary, though at a reduced timeline. Controllers often take on extra hours, particularly in understaffed facilities, and overtime pay—typically at 1.5 times the base rate—can significantly boost overall income, leading many to earn between $50,000 to $100,000 more than their base salaries. The employment type also influences pay rates; positions at FAA en route centers typically offer higher compensation compared to smaller contract towers. Some controllers might prefer roles that provide strong benefits over higher hourly rates due to the security and healthcare coverage offered. Negotiating an hourly wage in Fullerton requires awareness of these factors to maximize earning potential while also considering the broader implications of job security and benefits.
More salary data for Fullerton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Fullerton in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Fullerton?
Are air traffic controllers in Fullerton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Fullerton?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Fullerton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Fullerton. 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 Fullerton 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