Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Queen Creek, AZ: $71.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Queen Creek, AZ runs $71.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $148,426 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Queen Creek's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,055 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Queen Creek, Arizona, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly wage of $71.36, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $73.02. This figure reflects a competitive remuneration considering the challenging environments where controllers typically work—like en route centers with radar consoles, TRACON facilities near major airports, or airport traffic control towers that provide expansive 360-degree views. For part-time employees working three days a week, this translates into about $1,712 for a 24-hour workweek, giving them flexibility while still reaping a significant income. The hourly pay for air traffic controllers in Queen Creek ranges from $41.39 at the entry level to $101.39 for the most experienced professionals, illustrating a clear path of growth for those in the field and indicating varied demands across different settings.
About the Queen Creek 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) | $41.39 | $331.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.35 | $418.81 |
| Median (P50) | $71.36 | $570.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.81 | $726.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.39 | $811.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Queen Creek
Based on $71.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.36/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Queen Creek, AZ can expect to earn approximately $148,425 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,630. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Queen Creek.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Queen Creek
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,854.32 | $12,369 | $148,425 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,712.59 | $7,421 | $89,055 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,141.73 | $4,947 | $59,370 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Queen Creek) | $71.36 |
| 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 Queen Creek, AZ earn a median of $148,426 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.28% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the Arizona state average of $149,623.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.36/hr = $89,055/year (purchasing power: $90,411).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $148,425/year (purchasing power: $150,685).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Queen Creek (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Queen Creek grew 20.4% from $57.78/hr (2019) to $69.57/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.19/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 Queen Creek 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 Queen Creek
For air traffic controllers considering part-time roles or per-diem opportunities, the annual earnings can fluctuate significantly compared to full-time positions. A part-time controller working 24 hours weekly could expect an annual take-home of approximately $89,072, which is a solid income but less than what a full-time controller could achieve. Overtime is another element that alters earning potential; many controllers working in understaffed facilities can put in 50-60 hours a week, often driving their effective hourly compensation well above the base rates through overtime pay at 1.5 times their standard rate. Moreover, employment type plays a role in the hourly pay received, with FAA en route and terminal facilities often offering different pay structures compared to FAA contract towers or military positions. Additionally, controllers may have to weigh the benefits of consistent hourly pay secured through federal employment against potentially higher rates in contract positions that offer no benefits. Understanding these nuances can help prospective controllers negotiate effectively for better terms and compensation in a rapidly evolving job market in Queen Creek, AZ.
More salary data for Queen Creek, 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 Queen Creek. 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 Queen Creek 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