Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Tuscaloosa, AL: $61.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Tuscaloosa, AL runs $61.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,917 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Tuscaloosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,152 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, air traffic controllers can expect a median hourly pay of $61.02, which is significantly lower than the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate reflects not only the unique environment they work in—whether it's en route center radar consoles, TRACON radar facilities, or airport traffic control towers—but also the potential for varied schedules. For part-time controllers working three days a week, their earnings could lead to a comfortable income, especially when factoring in the robust hourly range from $35.39 at the entry level to $85.84 for top earners. The figures cited are derived from annual salary estimates, providing a useful context for those navigating their career options in air traffic control across various work settings.
About the Tuscaloosa 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) | $35.39 | $283.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.16 | $353.25 |
| Median (P50) | $61.02 | $488.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.00 | $615.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.84 | $686.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tuscaloosa
Based on $61.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.02/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tuscaloosa, AL can expect to earn approximately $126,919 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,223. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tuscaloosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tuscaloosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,440.76 | $10,577 | $126,919 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,464.45 | $6,346 | $76,152 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $976.30 | $4,231 | $50,768 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Tuscaloosa) | $61.02 |
| 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 Tuscaloosa, AL earn a median of $126,917 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.44% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.20% above the Alabama state average of $126,664.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.02/hr = $76,152/year (purchasing power: $86,634).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,919/year (purchasing power: $144,391).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Tuscaloosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Tuscaloosa grew 20.4% from $49.41/hr (2019) to $59.49/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.59/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 Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa
Those looking at part-time opportunities might find the financial implications of working 24 hours a week intriguing, as it could establish a solid annual income compared to a full-time position. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Tuscaloosa could also enhance overall earnings, particularly with the potential for overtime pay at 1.5 times the base rate, driving compensation well above the median. Given the chronic understaffing in many facilities, it's not uncommon for controllers to work extended hours, seeking to surpass their base salary significantly. Different types of employers throughout Tuscaloosa, such as FAA en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers, yield varied compensation packages. While some controllers may opt for positions with competitive hourly rates but limited benefits, others recognize the trade-off for health insurance options in favor of slightly lower pay. Negotiation strategies for potential hourly workers should focus on the specifics of workplace demands and the financial advantages of commitment to particular facilities.
More salary data for Tuscaloosa, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Tuscaloosa in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Tuscaloosa?
Are air traffic controllers in Tuscaloosa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Tuscaloosa?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Tuscaloosa?
Related Pages
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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 Tuscaloosa. 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 Tuscaloosa 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