Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Florence, AZ: $70.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Florence, AZ runs $70.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,042 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Florence's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,621 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Florence, Arizona, air traffic controllers can expect a median hourly pay of $70.21, slightly below the national median of $73.02. This competitive hourly rate makes the role appealing for both full-time and part-time professionals. Those working part-time, perhaps only three days a week, can anticipate a significant per-diem income, and the varied work environments—ranging from radar consoles in darkened control rooms to bright airport towers with sweeping views—each present unique earning opportunities. The hourly pay ranges from $40.72 for entry-level positions to as much as $101.85 for experienced controllers in this field, significant quantitative numbers drawn from annual salary estimations which reflect the demands and responsibilities associated with maintaining air traffic safety.
About the Florence 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) | $40.72 | $325.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.56 | $404.45 |
| Median (P50) | $70.21 | $561.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.30 | $706.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.85 | $814.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Florence
Based on $70.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.21/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Florence, AZ can expect to earn approximately $146,035 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,251. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Florence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Florence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,808.37 | $12,170 | $146,035 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,685.02 | $7,302 | $87,621 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,123.35 | $4,868 | $58,414 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Florence) | $70.21 |
| 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 Florence, AZ earn a median of $146,042 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.85% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.40% below the Arizona state average of $149,633.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.21/hr = $87,621/year (purchasing power: $88,955).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,035/year (purchasing power: $148,259).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Florence grew 20.4% from $56.85/hr (2019) to $68.45/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.01/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 Florence 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 Florence
For part-time air traffic controllers in Florence, working 24 hours a week can lead to an annual income closer to $87,000 assuming consistent hours. This stands in contrast to full-time colleagues, many of whom find themselves covering extra shifts at understaffed facilities, racking up overtime that can substantially elevate their earnings. Overtime rates can reach 1.5 times the base rate, often resulting in yearly compensation that exceeds expectations, with some controllers taking home over $50,000 to $100,000 more when factoring in overtime. The type of employer also plays a crucial role in pay discrepancies; controllers at FAA en route centers and airport control towers typically earn differently than those employed by FAA contract towers or military branches. Employees must weigh the trade-offs of opting for potentially higher hourly rates without benefits against stable positions offering health insurance, particularly essential considering the mandatory retirement at age 56 and the complexities of long-term financial planning in this profession.
More salary data for Florence, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Florence in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Florence?
Are air traffic controllers in Florence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Florence?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Florence?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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 Florence. 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 Florence 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