Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in West Covina, CA: $82.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in West Covina, CA runs $82.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $172,146 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against West Covina's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,289 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Covina, California, the projected air traffic controller hourly pay for 2026 stands at $82.76, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This robust hourly rate illustrates the lucrative earning potential for part-time controllers working three days a week, who can expect to earn around $48,000 annually before taxes. Controllers in this profession often operate from various work environments, such as en route centers and airport control towers, which impact their day-to-day experiences. The hourly pay range in West Covina varies widely, from about $48.00 at the lower end for entry-level positions to approximately $123.59 for top earners. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, reflect the competitive nature of the sector and the necessity of expert training in handling diverse air traffic scenarios.
About the West Covina 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) | $48.00 | $384.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.59 | $476.75 |
| Median (P50) | $82.76 | $662.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105.34 | $842.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123.59 | $988.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Covina
Based on $82.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.76/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Covina, CA can expect to earn approximately $172,149 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,316. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Covina.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Covina
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,310.55 | $14,346 | $172,149 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,986.33 | $8,607 | $103,289 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,324.22 | $5,738 | $68,859 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (West Covina) | $82.76 |
| 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 West Covina, CA earn a median of $172,146 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.34% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.20% above the California state average of $171,803.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.76/hr = $103,289/year (purchasing power: $91,325).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $172,149/year (purchasing power: $152,209).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in West Covina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $98.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in West Covina grew 20.4% from $67.02/hr (2019) to $80.69/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.89/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 West Covina 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 West Covina
The potential for part-time work as an air traffic controller in West Covina is evident when considering a typical three-day, 24-hour workweek; part-timers can gross around $48,000 per year, while full-time counterparts command significantly higher figures. For many controllers, the allure of per diem contracts provides a pathway to additional income, often leading to overtime compensation that elevates their effective hourly rates well above base levels. It is common for controllers at understaffed facilities to clock 50 to 60 hours weekly, boosting their annual earnings with the potential for $50,000 to $100,000 in overtime. Furthermore, hourly rates can differ based on employer types, including FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach control, and contract towers, leading to variations in both pay and job benefits. Navigating these options can be nuanced—some controllers may opt for lower hourly pay with robust health insurance packages, while others may pursue higher hourly rates without such benefits. For those negotiating hourly rates in West Covina, it is crucial to understand the specifics of the facility and its demand for controllers, which can provide leverage in discussions regarding compensation and job security.
More salary data for West Covina, 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 West Covina. 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 West Covina 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