Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Oro Valley, AZ: $68.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Oro Valley, AZ runs $68.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,816 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Oro Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,086 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oro Valley, Arizona, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to reach $68.18 in 2026, which is approximately 6.63% lower than the national median of $73.02. This rate provides substantial earning potential, especially for part-time controllers working three days a week. In typical settings such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers, controllers manage critical operations essential for air traffic safety. The hourly pay range in Oro Valley spans from $39.54 for entry-level positions to $94.84 for highly experienced employees. Such compensation structures reflect the demands and responsibilities inherent in the profession. Given the estimated hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, they remain competitive within the region, where only seven air traffic controllers currently serve.
About the Oro Valley 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) | $39.54 | $316.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.09 | $392.72 |
| Median (P50) | $68.18 | $545.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.98 | $687.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.84 | $758.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oro Valley
Based on $68.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.18/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oro Valley, AZ can expect to earn approximately $141,811 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,814. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oro Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oro Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,727.13 | $11,818 | $141,811 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,636.28 | $7,091 | $85,086 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,090.85 | $4,727 | $56,724 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Oro Valley) | $68.18 |
| 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 Oro Valley, AZ earn a median of $141,816 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.63% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.20% below the Arizona state average of $149,595.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.18/hr = $85,086/year (purchasing power: $86,382).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,811/year (purchasing power: $143,970).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Oro Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Oro Valley grew 20.4% from $55.21/hr (2019) to $66.47/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.93/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 Oro Valley 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 Oro Valley
Focusing on the part-time earning potential for an air traffic controller in Oro Valley reveals stark differences in financial outcomes compared to full-time employment. For those working a three-day week totaling 24 hours, annual earnings can still be lucrative, depending heavily on overtime. Controllers often find themselves working 50-60 hours per week due to ongoing staffing shortages, allowing for significant overtime compensation that can push earnings above the base hourly rate. Additionally, the per diem air traffic controller pay in Oro Valley varies with facility type; controllers in FAA centers and towers may experience different compensation opportunities. The choice between full-time employment with benefits and higher hourly rates without benefits can significantly influence a controller's overall compensation strategy. Negotiating offers, particularly in a demanding job market, requires a keen understanding of what facility type might suit one's work-life balance and financial goals. As employment patterns evolve, many air traffic controllers find ways to maximize their hourly potential amid a landscape characterized by fluctuating staffing needs and expertise demands.
More salary data for Oro Valley, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Oro Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Oro Valley?
Are air traffic controllers in Oro Valley paid hourly or salary?
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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 Oro Valley. 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 Oro Valley 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