Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Apache Junction, AZ: $69.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Apache Junction, AZ runs $69.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,243 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Apache Junction's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,546 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for air traffic controllers in Apache Junction, AZ, is projected to be $69.35. This figure slightly lags behind the national hourly median of $73.02. Such an hourly rate can translate effectively into both full-time and part-time positions. For instance, an air traffic controller working a part-time schedule of three days a week could earn a stable income even with relatively fewer hours at the radar consoles in various settings—ranging from TRACON facilities adjacent to major airports to FAA educational environments. The hourly range in Apache Junction spans from $40.22 at entry-level positions to around $94.65 for the most experienced controllers, highlighting the potential for significant earnings as one climbs the career ladder.
About the Apache Junction Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.22 | $321.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.97 | $407.74 |
| Median (P50) | $69.35 | $554.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.20 | $689.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.65 | $757.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apache Junction
Based on $69.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.35/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apache Junction, AZ can expect to earn approximately $144,243 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,217. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apache Junction.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apache Junction
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,773.90 | $12,020 | $144,243 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,664.34 | $7,212 | $86,546 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,109.56 | $4,808 | $57,697 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Apache Junction) | $69.35 |
| 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 Apache Junction, AZ earn a median of $144,243 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.03% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.60% below the Arizona state average of $149,630.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.35/hr = $86,546/year (purchasing power: $87,864).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,243/year (purchasing power: $146,440).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Apache Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Apache Junction grew 20.4% from $56.15/hr (2019) to $67.61/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.13/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 Apache Junction 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 Apache Junction
From a financial perspective, part-time air traffic controllers working roughly 24 hours weekly could take home upwards of $73,415 per year, assuming no benefits. However, full-time controllers see a vastly different picture, often bolstered by overtime that can result in annual earnings exceeding $200,000. The per diem air traffic controller pay in Apache Junction can also be lucrative, particularly during transitional assignments where shifts stretch beyond the standard hours. Additionally, while FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach control facilities, and airport towers typically offer varied compensation levels, the total earnings package can include substantial overtime pay—sometimes reaching up to 1.5 times the base hourly rate. Many controllers at understaffed locations frequently work 50-60 hours a week to manage a high workload. Although some may take a lower hourly rate to secure comprehensive benefits, others weigh the trade-offs carefully, often negotiating as per diem staff based on their preferences for flexibility and financial security.
More salary data for Apache Junction, AZ:
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 Apache Junction. 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 Apache Junction 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