Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Torrance, CA: $84.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Torrance, CA runs $84.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $174,728 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Torrance's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $104,838 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For air traffic controllers in Torrance, California, the median hourly pay is projected to be $84.00 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This difference reflects the demand for skilled professionals in the region and the cost of living in Torrance, with a cost of living index of 113.1. The range of hourly pay extends from $48.72 at the 10th percentile to $128.26 at the 90th percentile, suggesting ample opportunity for both entry-level and experienced controllers. Many in this profession work in various settings like en route centers and terminal radar approach control, often in windowless control rooms or busy airport towers. This hourly rate not only serves full-time employees but also offers lucrative possibilities for those pursuing part-time (such as three days a week) or per-diem positions, taking advantage of flexible schedules that can accommodate personal commitments.
About the Torrance 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) | $48.72 | $389.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.49 | $483.88 |
| Median (P50) | $84.00 | $672.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107.52 | $860.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128.26 | $1026.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Torrance
Based on $84.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $84.00/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Torrance, CA can expect to earn approximately $174,730 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,806. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Torrance.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Torrance
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,360.19 | $14,561 | $174,730 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,016.12 | $8,737 | $104,838 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,344.08 | $5,824 | $69,892 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Torrance) | $84.00 |
| 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 Torrance, CA earn a median of $174,728 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.04% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.70% above the California state average of $171,807.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $84.00/hr = $104,838/year (purchasing power: $92,695).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $174,730/year (purchasing power: $154,492).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$68.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$84.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Torrance (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $72.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $73.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $99.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Torrance grew 20.4% from $68.02/hr (2019) to $81.90/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $86.16/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 Torrance 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 Torrance
Looking at part-time work, an air traffic controller working three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, can earn a substantial income while balancing other interests or commitments. This flexibility is appealing compared to a full-time commitment. For those in positions characterized by per-diem contracts, the compensation model allows for considerable overtime, with a potential for significant annual income exceeding $50,000 to $100,000 from extra hours worked at 1.5 times the base rate. Various employment types in Torrance, including FAA en route centers and terminal facilities, feature different earning potentials. Some controllers at FAA contract towers may face trade-offs in hourly rates for better benefits, highlighting a complex decision-making factor for workers. To maximize hourly earnings, negotiation tactics such as understanding the local demand and exploring all available facilities will be vital for navigating the job market in Torrance, CA.
More salary data for Torrance, 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 Torrance. 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 Torrance 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