Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Anniston, AL: $58.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Anniston, AL runs $58.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $121,879 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Anniston's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,131 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Anniston, Alabama, air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $58.60 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $73.02, placing those in the region about 19.76% behind their counterparts nationwide. For part-time workers, such as those operating en route center radar consoles or staffing airport traffic control towers, this hourly pay translates to significant earning potential, especially for those working three days a week. The projected hourly range for air traffic controllers in Anniston spans from $33.98 for entry-level positions to $78.75 for top earners. It’s important to note that these rates are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the financial landscape that controllers navigate in various settings, from TRACON radar facilities to FAA training environments.
About the Anniston Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.98 | $271.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.27 | $338.15 |
| Median (P50) | $58.60 | $468.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.47 | $579.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.75 | $630.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anniston
Based on $58.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.60/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anniston, AL can expect to earn approximately $121,884 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,318. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Anniston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anniston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,343.93 | $10,157 | $121,884 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,406.36 | $6,094 | $73,131 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $937.57 | $4,063 | $48,754 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Anniston) | $58.60 |
| 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 Anniston, AL earn a median of $121,879 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.76% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.80% below the Alabama state average of $126,693.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.60/hr = $73,131/year (purchasing power: $83,198).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $121,884/year (purchasing power: $138,663).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Anniston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Anniston grew 20.4% from $47.45/hr (2019) to $57.13/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.10/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 Anniston 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 Anniston
Analyzing the financial realities, a part-time controller working 24 hours a week would earn considerably less annually than a full-time peer, impacting their overall financial stability. Per-diem positions and overtime provide lucrative earning opportunities; controllers often find themselves working 50-60 hours a week at understaffed facilities, which can lead to effective hourly compensation significantly exceeding the base rate due to overtime pay. In Anniston, various employer types, including FAA en route centers and military ATC, offer different pay scales and benefits. While some controllers may choose positions with lower hourly rates for comprehensive health insurance, others might opt for higher pay without benefits. For those considering negotiations, emphasizing skill sets and training can be effective, particularly in a labor market shaped by chronic staffing shortages since the 2013 sequester. Understanding the nuances of compensation across different facility types will be essential for any air traffic controller evaluating opportunities in Anniston, AL.
More salary data for Anniston, AL:
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 Anniston. 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 Anniston 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