Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Fort Smith, AR: $61.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Fort Smith, AR runs $61.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,173 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Fort Smith's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,305 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Smith, Arkansas, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $61.14, which falls substantially below the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This rate is pivotal for those considering part-time positions, typically working three days a week, where earnings could amount to approximately $47,826 annually based on a 24-hour workweek. The environment for air traffic controllers in this region can vary widely, with positions located in en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, or airport traffic control towers. The hourly pay range spans from $35.46 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $89.51 for experienced top earners, reflecting the increasing responsibility and skills needed as one ascends in this profession. These estimates derive from annual salary data, highlighting the potential for well-compensated roles in a challenging yet rewarding field.
About the Fort Smith Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.46 | $283.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.02 | $352.18 |
| Median (P50) | $61.14 | $489.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.26 | $626.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.51 | $716.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Smith
Based on $61.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.14/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Smith, AR can expect to earn approximately $127,175 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,370. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Smith.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Smith
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,445.68 | $10,598 | $127,175 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,467.41 | $6,359 | $76,305 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $978.27 | $4,239 | $50,870 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Fort Smith) | $61.14 |
| 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 Fort Smith, AR earn a median of $127,173 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.27% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% above the Arkansas state average of $125,665.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.14/hr = $76,305/year (purchasing power: $87,808).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,175/year (purchasing power: $146,347).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Fort Smith (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Fort Smith grew 20.4% from $49.51/hr (2019) to $59.61/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.71/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 Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith
The earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Fort Smith becomes particularly notable when compared to full-time roles. A professional working three days a week may earn about $47,826 year-round, whereas full-time counterparts regularly clock in for overtime due to chronic staffing shortages, potentially bringing their total earnings significantly higher. Overtime pay at time-and-a-half can yield effective hourly compensation that surpasses base pay, especially in understaffed facilities where many controllers work towards an annual total of $50,000 to $100,000 in overtime. The hourly rates can also differ based on employer type in Fort Smith; those who work for FAA facilities may generally receive better benefits than contractors at smaller airports, thus allowing some to opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for enhanced health insurance coverage. For effective negotiations as an hourly worker, understanding the local demand, considering the availability of per diem air traffic controller pay in Fort Smith, and being informed about the unique offerings of different facilities are essential steps towards maximizing compensation in this critical sector.
More salary data for Fort Smith, AR:
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 Fort Smith. 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 Fort Smith 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