Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Marana, AZ: $72.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Marana, AZ runs $72.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $150,855 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Marana's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,514 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Marana, Arizona, air traffic controllers can expect a median hourly pay of $72.53, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This figure represents solid compensation in the context of regional job markets and reflects the skills required to manage air traffic in various environments such as en route centers and airport control towers. For those working part-time—roughly three days a week—this hourly wage can translate into a lucrative income even with a reduced schedule, maintaining the opportunity for a well-balanced personal life. The hourly earning potential sees a range from $42.06 at entry-level positions to $102.79 for experienced controllers, highlighting the profession's growth and advancement opportunities within Marana’s air traffic management framework.
About the Marana 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) | $42.06 | $336.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.22 | $417.75 |
| Median (P50) | $72.53 | $580.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.14 | $737.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.79 | $822.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Marana
Based on $72.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.53/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Marana, AZ can expect to earn approximately $150,857 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,033. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Marana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Marana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,901.09 | $12,571 | $150,857 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,740.65 | $7,543 | $90,514 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,160.44 | $5,029 | $60,343 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Marana) | $72.53 |
| 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 Marana, AZ earn a median of $150,855 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.68% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% above the Arizona state average of $149,658.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.53/hr = $90,514/year (purchasing power: $91,892).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $150,857/year (purchasing power: $153,154).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$58.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Marana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Marana grew 20.4% from $58.73/hr (2019) to $70.71/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.39/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 Marana 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 Marana
Shifts for air traffic controllers often extend beyond typical hours, particularly for those in understaffed facilities. Controllers who work three days a week typically earn less annually compared to full-time counterparts, but the flexibility can be advantageous. For per-diem air traffic controller pay in Marana, it’s crucial to consider the significant impact of overtime. Many controllers, especially at high-demand en route and TRACON facilities, regularly clock in additional hours, sometimes reaching up to 60 hours a week, which can substantially enhance their overall compensation. The hourly rate can vary depending on the employer type; controllers at FAA facilities generally see a consistent pay scale while private contractors may offer other benefits in exchange for lower hourly rates. Those entering negotiations should think about the complete package—pay rates versus health benefits—as some may choose slightly lower hourly compensation to secure better job-related health plans.
More salary data for Marana, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Marana in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Marana?
Are air traffic controllers in Marana paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Marana?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Marana?
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 Marana. 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 Marana 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