Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Madison, AL: $59.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Madison, AL runs $59.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,506 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Madison's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,103 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Madison, Alabama, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $59.38, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $73.02. This difference can impact part-time and per-diem workers significantly, especially in typical work settings such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate can help in budgeting for both living costs and professional expenses, particularly considering Madison’s below-average cost of living index of 87.9. Entry-level air traffic controllers in Madison start at about $34.44 per hour, with seasoned professionals reaching as much as $86.24. The hourly pay is derived from projected annual salary data for 2026, offering a framework for understanding potential earnings in the local market.
About the Madison 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) | $34.44 | $275.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.75 | $342.01 |
| Median (P50) | $59.38 | $475.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.00 | $608.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.24 | $689.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madison
Based on $59.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.38/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madison, AL can expect to earn approximately $123,506 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,253. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Madison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,375.11 | $10,292 | $123,506 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,425.07 | $6,175 | $74,103 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $950.04 | $4,117 | $49,402 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Madison) | $59.38 |
| 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 Madison, AL earn a median of $123,506 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.69% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.50% below the Alabama state average of $126,672.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.38/hr = $74,103/year (purchasing power: $84,304).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,506/year (purchasing power: $140,507).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Madison grew 20.4% from $48.08/hr (2019) to $57.89/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.90/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 Madison 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 Madison
When assessing part-time work, a controller working 24 hours a week can anticipate a notable difference in take-home pay versus full-time counterparts. Many controllers work extensive overtime, turning their effective hourly wages into a higher earning potential. Positions in FAA en route centers and terminal facilities often come with the possibility of 1.5x overtime pay, especially in understaffed areas. Notably, controllers in Madison may have opportunities for per-diem air traffic controller pay, particularly during facility transfer training, where negotiations can vary. Additionally, hourly rates differ according to employer type; controllers in FAA airports or military installations may receive distinct compensation packages. The trade-off between higher hourly rates with no benefits and lower rates that come with health insurance is a crucial factor for many in this profession. Controllers should consider local job negotiations carefully, capitalizing on the competitive landscape that results from ongoing staffing shortages within the FAA.
More salary data for Madison, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Madison in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Madison?
Are air traffic controllers in Madison paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Madison?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Madison?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alabama
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 Madison. 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 Madison 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