Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Casa Grande, AZ: $70.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Casa Grande, AZ runs $70.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,724 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Casa Grande's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,429 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Casa Grande, Arizona, command a median hourly pay of $70.06, slightly lower than the national median of $73.02. This compensation can significantly impact part-time workers or per-diem air traffic controllers, who often work in various settings, such as en route centers or airport control towers. With an hourly range stretching from $40.64 at the entry level up to $101.44 for the top earners, the pay structure offers opportunities for both new and experienced controllers. Given the nature of the job, an air traffic controller's hourly rate is reflective of the responsibilities undertaken in high-pressure environments where decisions can affect the safety of air traffic over a vast area.
About the Casa Grande 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) | $40.64 | $325.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.44 | $403.55 |
| Median (P50) | $70.06 | $560.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.68 | $717.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.44 | $811.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Casa Grande
Based on $70.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.06/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Casa Grande, AZ can expect to earn approximately $145,715 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,066. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Casa Grande.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Casa Grande
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,802.21 | $12,143 | $145,715 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,681.33 | $7,286 | $87,429 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,120.88 | $4,857 | $58,286 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Casa Grande) | $70.06 |
| 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 Casa Grande, AZ earn a median of $145,724 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.06% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.60% below the Arizona state average of $149,614.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.06/hr = $87,429/year (purchasing power: $88,760).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,715/year (purchasing power: $147,934).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Casa Grande (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Casa Grande grew 20.4% from $56.73/hr (2019) to $68.30/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.86/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 Casa Grande 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 Casa Grande
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time positions, working three days a week would yield approximately $83,469 in annual income, while full-time controllers may see much higher earnings due to overtime, often reaching upwards of $100,000 annually. Many controllers experience the reality of per-diem work, especially during training transfers where compensation can vary. Agency controllers often work extended hours, resulting in effective hourly earnings that rise considerably above their base pay. The types of employers in Casa Grande, including FAA en route centers and military installations, can influence hourly earnings, with some opting for lower pay in exchange for health benefits. Effective negotiation skills become essential, particularly in balancing hourly rates with the desirability of benefits like healthcare, something many controllers may face as they navigate their careers in this competitive and evolving field.
More salary data for Casa Grande, 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 Casa Grande. 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 Casa Grande 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