Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Manteca, CA: $80.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Manteca, CA runs $80.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $167,935 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Manteca's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,755 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manteca, California, an air traffic controller's hourly pay is projected to reach $80.73 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $73.02 by a notable margin. This difference could provide significant advantages for part-time workers who might choose to operate on a three-day-a-week schedule, maximizing their earnings while balancing the demands of this high-pressure role. Part-time controllers can expect to earn approximately $3,229 per week based on this hourly rate, making it an attractive option for those who prefer flexibility. The hourly pay scale in Manteca ranges from $46.82 for entry-level controllers to $117.69 for the top earners, reflecting the experience and responsibilities associated with various positions within air traffic control settings, such as en route center radar rooms and airport traffic control towers.
About the Manteca 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) | $46.82 | $374.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.13 | $465.01 |
| Median (P50) | $80.73 | $645.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.35 | $826.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117.69 | $941.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manteca
Based on $80.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.73/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manteca, CA can expect to earn approximately $167,924 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,879. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manteca.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manteca
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,229.31 | $13,994 | $167,924 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,937.59 | $8,396 | $100,755 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,291.73 | $5,597 | $67,170 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Manteca) | $80.73 |
| 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 Manteca, CA earn a median of $167,935 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.57% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% below the California state average of $171,712.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.73/hr = $100,755/year (purchasing power: $89,085).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $167,924/year (purchasing power: $148,474).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Manteca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $95.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Manteca grew 20.4% from $65.37/hr (2019) to $78.71/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.81/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 Manteca 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 Manteca
For those considering a per diem or locum position, the earning potential can be even more lucrative, particularly given the possibility of overtime pay, which is compensated at 1.5 times the base hourly rate. Many controllers work long hours during periods of understaffing, often clocking in 50-60 hours a week, significantly increasing their overall compensation to levels of $50,000-$100,000 in annual overtime. Employing flexibility in negotiations for per diem air traffic controller pay in Manteca can lead to favorable terms, especially during facility transfer training, which may offer negotiable pay rates. Additionally, hourly compensation varies depending on the employer type, with FAA en route centers typically offering higher pay compared to FAA contract towers or military ATC roles. While some may opt for positions that offer a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others might prioritize higher earnings. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for aspiring controllers navigating their career paths.
More salary data for Manteca, 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 Manteca. 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 Manteca 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