Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Avondale, AZ: $72.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Avondale, AZ runs $72.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $151,423 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Avondale's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,860 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Avondale, Arizona, will earn a median hourly pay of $72.80. This figure is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $73.02, reflecting the local economic conditions. For part-time or per-diem air traffic controllers, working in settings like en route centers or airport traffic control towers, this hourly rate translates to substantial earning potential, especially in facilities that operate around the clock. Entry-level controllers can expect to start around $42.23 per hour, while experienced professionals can reach up to approximately $106.58 per hour. These hourly rates are derived from projected annual salaries and provide insight into how controllers in Avondale are compensated based on experience and the high-stakes nature of their roles.
About the Avondale 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) | $42.23 | $337.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.41 | $419.31 |
| Median (P50) | $72.80 | $582.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93.18 | $745.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.58 | $852.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Avondale
Based on $72.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.80/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Avondale, AZ can expect to earn approximately $151,433 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,365. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Avondale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Avondale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,912.17 | $12,619 | $151,433 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,747.30 | $7,572 | $90,860 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,164.87 | $5,048 | $60,573 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Avondale) | $72.80 |
| 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 Avondale, AZ earn a median of $151,423 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.30% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% above the Arizona state average of $149,628.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.80/hr = $90,860/year (purchasing power: $92,243).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $151,433/year (purchasing power: $153,739).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$58.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Avondale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Avondale grew 20.4% from $58.95/hr (2019) to $70.98/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.68/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 Avondale 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 Avondale
Choosing to work part-time, such as three days a week, can yield an annual income that contrasts significantly with full-time earnings. For example, a part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours a week could earn about $82,464 annually, a figure that highlights the viability of part-time work in this profession. Furthermore, many controllers take advantage of per-diem opportunities, which often come with the potential for overtime pay, increasing their overall compensation significantly. Controllers working at facilities may find themselves logging 50-60 hours a week to manage understaffing, which can result in an additional $50,000-$100,000 per year from overtime. Alternatively, hourly rates may vary based on employer types, with FAA en route centers and TRACONs typically offering higher compensation than smaller air traffic control towers. While some may accept lower pay for comprehensive health benefits, others might prioritize higher hourly wages without benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay in Avondale, awareness of the range of facility types and their pay scales can really elevate the discussion.
More salary data for Avondale, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Avondale in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Avondale?
Are air traffic controllers in Avondale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Avondale?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Avondale?
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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 Avondale. 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 Avondale 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