Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Phoenix, AZ: $79.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Phoenix, AZ runs $79.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $165,363 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Phoenix's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $76.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,219 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Phoenix, Arizona, the projected air traffic controller hourly pay for 2026 stands at $79.50, which is an attractive figure when compared to the national hourly median of $73.02. For those considering part-time roles, this translates to a potentially lucrative income, particularly for those working three days a week, who can earn a substantial sum while enjoying more flexibility in their schedules. Per-diem air traffic controllers can also find rewarding opportunities in various environments, such as en route center radar consoles and TRACON facilities. The hourly compensation ranges significantly from $46.66 for entry-level positions to $101.08 for the highest earners, reflecting the diversity of experience and responsibility within the profession. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and illustrate the earning potential within the competitive field of air traffic control in Phoenix.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.66 | $373.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.41 | $523.27 |
| Median (P50) | $79.50 | $636.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.04 | $736.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.08 | $808.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Phoenix
Based on $79.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.50/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Phoenix, AZ can expect to earn approximately $165,364 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,402. With a cost-of-living index of 103.32 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Phoenix.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Phoenix
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,180.08 | $13,780 | $165,364 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,908.05 | $8,268 | $99,219 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,272.03 | $5,512 | $66,146 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Phoenix) | $79.50 |
| 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 Phoenix, AZ earn a median of $165,363 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.87% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 10.50% above the Arizona state average of $149,650.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.50/hr = $99,219/year (purchasing power: $96,034).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $165,364/year (purchasing power: $160,057).
CoL index: 103.316 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Phoenix (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Phoenix grew 20.4% from $64.38/hr (2019) to $77.51/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.55/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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix
Air traffic controllers working part-time in Phoenix can expect to take home a healthy annual income while enjoying a greater work-life balance. By working just 24 hours a week, they can still achieve a salary that well exceeds many full-time professions at comparable experience levels. For controllers employed on a per-diem basis, particularly those involved with airline training or agency assignments, the dynamics shift further. Overtime opportunities are prevalent, with controllers often logging an extra 10-20 hours weekly, which can significantly increase overall compensation. Facilities like FAA en route centers and TRACONs may have varied pay structures; while some controllers opt for lower hourly rates with comprehensive benefits, others prioritize higher hourly pay without the added benefits. Knowing how to effectively negotiate hourly rates could lead to more lucrative positions, especially considering Phoenix's growing demand for qualified air traffic controllers amidst ongoing staffing challenges in federal facilities.
More salary data for Phoenix, 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 Phoenix. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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