Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Prescott Valley, AZ: $69.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Prescott Valley, AZ runs $69.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,405 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Prescott Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,648 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Prescott Valley, the estimated air traffic controller hourly pay stands at $69.43, slightly below the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate opens up various possibilities for both full-time and part-time controllers, particularly for those considering part-time work, which typically involves a schedule of three days per week. Conducting air traffic from settings such as en route center radar consoles or ATC tower cabs can be lucrative. For air traffic controllers in Prescott Valley, hourly earnings range from $40.46 for entry-level positions to $99.02 for those at the top of their field. These hourly rates have been estimated from projected annual salary data, reflecting the earning potential based on the unique demands and responsibilities associated with managing airspace.
About the Prescott 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) | $40.46 | $323.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.12 | $408.97 |
| Median (P50) | $69.43 | $555.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.87 | $710.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.02 | $792.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Prescott Valley
Based on $69.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.43/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Prescott Valley, AZ can expect to earn approximately $144,414 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,316. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Prescott Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Prescott Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,777.19 | $12,034 | $144,414 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,666.31 | $7,221 | $86,648 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,110.87 | $4,814 | $57,765 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Prescott Valley) | $69.43 |
| 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 Prescott Valley, AZ earn a median of $144,405 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.93% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.50% below the Arizona state average of $149,643.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.43/hr = $86,648/year (purchasing power: $87,968).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,414/year (purchasing power: $146,613).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Prescott Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Prescott Valley grew 20.4% from $56.22/hr (2019) to $67.69/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.21/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 Prescott 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 Prescott Valley
Considering the local economic context, part-time air traffic controllers working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, might see a significantly different annual income compared to their full-time counterparts, who usually work a standard 40-hour week. Moreover, many controllers find themselves in per-diem roles, where they can negotiate pay rates based on their specific assignment and expertise. With chronic understaffing in some facilities, overtime is another arrangement that can substantially increase hourly compensation, at times leading to earnings bolstered by an additional $50,000 to $100,000 annually. In Prescott Valley, hourly pay also varies widely; controllers at FAA en route centers may earn different rates compared to those in terminal or tower roles. Some may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, while others prioritize higher pay without coverage. For those looking to negotiate, understanding their worth within the FAA's FG pay scale can provide leverage in discussions, emphasizing the trade-offs between earnings and overall job security.
More salary data for Prescott Valley, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Prescott Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Prescott Valley?
Are air traffic controllers in Prescott 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 Prescott 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 Prescott 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