Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Pomona, CA: $85.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Pomona, CA runs $85.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $177,573 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Pomona's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $106,541 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected air traffic controller hourly pay in Pomona, California, stands at $85.37, exceeding the national median hourly rate of $73.02 by nearly 17%. This competitive wage allows controllers to thrive in various work environments, whether in the controlled chaos of terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities or the precision-driven atmosphere of en route centers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, or those engaged in per diem roles, this rate translates into a substantial income alongside the unique experience these positions offer. The hourly compensation range in Pomona extends from $49.52 for entry-level positions to as much as $124.50 for the most experienced air traffic controllers, demonstrating a robust earning potential reflective of the evolving aviation landscape.
About the Pomona 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) | $49.52 | $396.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.47 | $491.76 |
| Median (P50) | $85.37 | $682.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109.28 | $874.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124.50 | $996.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pomona
Based on $85.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $85.37/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pomona, CA can expect to earn approximately $177,568 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $102,443. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pomona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pomona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,414.76 | $14,797 | $177,568 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,048.86 | $8,878 | $106,541 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,365.90 | $5,919 | $71,027 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Pomona) | $85.37 |
| 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 Pomona, CA earn a median of $177,573 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.91% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.40% above the California state average of $171,734.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $85.37/hr = $106,541/year (purchasing power: $94,200).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $177,568/year (purchasing power: $157,000).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$69.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$83.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$85.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pomona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $73.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $72.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $74.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $77.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $101.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $83.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Pomona grew 20.4% from $69.13/hr (2019) to $83.23/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $87.56/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 Pomona 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 Pomona
Examining the earning capacity of air traffic controllers in Pomona reveals interesting dynamics around part-time and per diem opportunities. A controller working 24 hours across three days could take home an annualized income substantially lower than their full-time counterparts, making the per diem air traffic controller pay in Pomona an attractive option for those seeking flexibility. In understaffed facilities, controllers often experience significant overtime, allowing many to reach total compensation levels exceeding $100,000 thanks to increased hourly pay for overtime hours. Various employers influence earning structures, with FAA en route facilities often providing higher base compensation compared to FAA contract towers or military installations. Additionally, some controllers opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, especially those working at federally operated facilities. For aspiring controllers, understanding negotiation strategies around hourly pay and shifts can be pivotal in maximizing one’s earning potential in this competitive field.
More salary data for Pomona, 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 Pomona. 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 Pomona 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