Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Milpitas, CA: $80.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Milpitas, CA runs $80.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $166,711 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Milpitas's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,025 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Milpitas, California, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $80.15, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This attractive hourly compensation allows for diverse work arrangements, which is particularly beneficial for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. Controllers often work in various settings such as en route center radar consoles and TRACON facilities, handling critical traffic management tasks. For part-time employees working a typical three-day week, this hourly rate can translate to substantial weekly earnings, while the hourly range spans from $46.48 for entry-level roles to $118.40 for the top earners in the field. It’s important to recognize that these hourly figures derive from annual salary data, reflecting the high stakes and specialized skills required in this profession.
About the Milpitas 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) | $46.48 | $371.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.71 | $461.65 |
| Median (P50) | $80.15 | $641.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102.59 | $820.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118.40 | $947.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Milpitas
Based on $80.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.15/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Milpitas, CA can expect to earn approximately $166,708 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,178. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Milpitas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Milpitas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,205.93 | $13,892 | $166,708 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,923.56 | $8,335 | $100,025 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,282.37 | $5,557 | $66,683 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Milpitas) | $80.15 |
| 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 Milpitas, CA earn a median of $166,711 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.76% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.00% below the California state average of $171,867.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.15/hr = $100,025/year (purchasing power: $88,439).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $166,708/year (purchasing power: $147,399).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Milpitas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $94.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Milpitas grew 20.4% from $64.90/hr (2019) to $78.14/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.21/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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas
On the other hand, the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers can vary widely. For instance, a controller working just 24 hours a week with the hourly pay mentioned can still pull in a respectable annual income, albeit lower than their full-time counterparts. Many controllers are also engaged in per-diem or agency roles. These positions can offer opportunities for significant overtime, which often pushes their effective hourly compensation far above the base rate, particularly in understaffed facilities. In Milpitas, the type of employer significantly influences hourly pay; FAA en route centers might offer pay structures that reward experience and the rigors of high-altitude traffic management more than smaller-scale operations. Choices also arise regarding benefits, with some opting for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance, which is less common among contractors. Controllers need to navigate these complexities and consider negotiating tactics that maximize their earnings while weighing the stability that comes from federal employment and the flexibility of contract work.
More salary data for Milpitas, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Milpitas in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Milpitas?
Are air traffic controllers in Milpitas paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Milpitas?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Milpitas?
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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 Milpitas. 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 Milpitas 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