Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Peoria, AZ: $73.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Peoria, AZ runs $73.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $152,899 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Peoria's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $74.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $91,743 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Peoria, Arizona, air traffic controllers benefit from a competitive hourly wage, with a median rate projected at $73.51 for 2026. This figure exceeds the national median of $73.02, reflecting the area's favorable compensation compared to other regions. For part-time workers, such as those log 24 hours a week over three days, this translates into a substantial hourly income, making it feasible to balance work with personal commitments. Environments where air traffic controllers typically operate — be it en route center radar consoles or airport control towers — can influence both job stress and pay variation. The hourly pay scale ranges from $42.64 at the entry-level to as high as $112.77 for top earners, indicating a rewarding career path for those who navigate the complexities of air traffic responsibilities.
For part-time controllers, taking home income can vary significantly versus full-time colleagues. A controller working a 3-day week might earn nearly $57,259 annually based on the median hourly rate, while full-time positions often create opportunities for substantial overtime. Many air traffic controllers find their effective hourly compensation rising due to mandated overtime, commonly exceeding 50 hours a week, with the potential for $50k-$100k in additional pay, significantly augmenting their financial prospects. Various employer types in Peoria, such as FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and military installations, further diversify compensation structures. Controllers may opt for lower hourly rates with employment benefits or negotiate higher pay rates without benefits, depending on their personal financial needs. For those considering per diem roles, training negotiability and compensation structures become critical. Thus, understanding these dynamics is essential for maximizing career earnings in the air traffic control sector.
About the Peoria 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) | $42.64 | $341.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.93 | $423.41 |
| Median (P50) | $73.51 | $588.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93.78 | $750.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112.77 | $902.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Peoria
Based on $73.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.51/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Peoria, AZ can expect to earn approximately $152,905 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,214. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Peoria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Peoria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,940.48 | $12,742 | $152,905 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,764.29 | $7,645 | $91,743 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,176.19 | $5,097 | $61,162 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Peoria) | $73.51 |
| 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 Peoria, AZ earn a median of $152,899 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.67% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% above the Arizona state average of $149,608.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.51/hr = $91,743/year (purchasing power: $93,140).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $152,905/year (purchasing power: $155,233).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$59.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Peoria grew 20.4% from $59.53/hr (2019) to $71.67/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $75.40/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 Peoria 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.
More salary data for Peoria, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Peoria. 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 Peoria 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