Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Pelham, AL: $56.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Pelham, AL runs $56.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,144 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Pelham's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,289 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pelham, Alabama, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to be $56.32 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02 for the same year. This hourly rate reflects the economic conditions of the region and may present opportunities for part-time work, especially for individuals considering a three-day work week, allowing for 24 hours of service that translates into a substantial income. With an hourly range from $32.79 at the 10th percentile to $76.65 at the 90th percentile, new air traffic controllers can expect to begin at the lower end, while those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in higher-tier facilities have the potential to earn significantly more. Typical settings such as en route centers and airport traffic control towers provide various perspectives on the job, ensuring that hourly engagement is both meaningful and financially rewarding within the local context.
About the Pelham 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) | $32.79 | $262.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.34 | $330.69 |
| Median (P50) | $56.32 | $450.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.41 | $563.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.65 | $613.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pelham
Based on $56.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.32/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pelham, AL can expect to earn approximately $117,148 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,585. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pelham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pelham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,252.85 | $9,762 | $117,148 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,351.71 | $5,857 | $70,289 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $901.14 | $3,905 | $46,859 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Pelham) | $56.32 |
| 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 Pelham, AL earn a median of $117,144 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.87% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.50% below the Alabama state average of $126,642.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.32/hr = $70,289/year (purchasing power: $79,965).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,148/year (purchasing power: $133,274).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pelham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Pelham grew 20.4% from $45.61/hr (2019) to $54.91/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.77/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 Pelham 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 Pelham
Examining the potential earnings for part-time air traffic controllers in Pelham reveals distinct differences compared to full-time counterparts. Working three days a week could yield an annual take-home of approximately $70,000, providing a solid income, albeit less than that of full-time colleagues. For those engaged as per diem air traffic controllers, compensation can be even more advantageous due to overtime opportunities, often pushing hourly earnings well above the standard base, with many controllers clocking in 50 to 60 hours a week and seeing annual earnings soar with overtime exceeding $100,000. Employers also vary widely, with FAA en route centers generally offering higher hourly rates compared to smaller FAA contract towers, impacting choices made by professionals in the area. Additionally, controllers might weigh the trade-off between the potentially higher pay associated with contract positions versus federal employment that offers comprehensive benefits, which is critical when considering job stability and health coverage. In a competitive environment, knowing how to negotiate hourly terms can greatly affect earnings and job satisfaction for air traffic controllers in Pelham.
More salary data for Pelham, 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 Pelham. 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 Pelham 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