Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Surprise, AZ: $71.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Surprise, AZ runs $71.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $149,284 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Surprise's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,567 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Surprise, Arizona, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $71.77, which is slightly lower than the national median of $73.02. This hourly compensation allows for substantial earnings for both full-time and part-time workers, particularly in settings such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers. Controllers working part-time, perhaps three days a week, or on a per-diem basis, can take advantage of this hourly rate, which ranges from $41.62 for entry-level positions to $106.79 for the most experienced among them. It's important to note that these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, providing a solid foundation for potential earnings in various working conditions unique to the profession.
About the Surprise 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) | $41.62 | $332.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.67 | $413.40 |
| Median (P50) | $71.77 | $574.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91.87 | $734.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.79 | $854.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Surprise
Based on $71.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.77/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Surprise, AZ can expect to earn approximately $149,278 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,122. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Surprise.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Surprise
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,870.73 | $12,440 | $149,278 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,722.44 | $7,464 | $89,567 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,148.29 | $4,976 | $59,711 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Surprise) | $71.77 |
| 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 Surprise, AZ earn a median of $149,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.71% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.20% below the Arizona state average of $149,584.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.77/hr = $89,567/year (purchasing power: $90,931).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $149,278/year (purchasing power: $151,551).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$58.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Surprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Surprise grew 20.4% from $58.11/hr (2019) to $69.97/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.61/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 Surprise 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 Surprise
Examining the earnings for part-time controllers reveals a potential for substantial yearly income. If an air traffic controller in Surprise works just three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, they could earn around $86,500 annually, a figure that starkly contrasts with a full-time controller's earnings often exceeding $149,284 due to overtime opportunities. Many controllers, especially at understaffed facilities, find themselves working overtime, often 50-60 hours a week, which can significantly elevate their total compensation beyond base rates. Additionally, air traffic controller hourly pay varies depending on the type of facility—FAA en route centers generally provide higher pay than FAA contract towers. While some controllers may opt for positions with lower hourly rates for better health benefits, others prioritize immediate financial gain. Those negotiating positions in Surprise should approach discussions with an understanding of these dynamics, including the workforce shifts and hiring pipelines, to secure their desired compensation effectively.
More salary data for Surprise, 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 Surprise. 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 Surprise 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