Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in North Little Rock, AR: $58.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in North Little Rock, AR runs $58.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,556 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against North Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,527 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Little Rock, Arkansas, air traffic controllers command a median hourly rate of $58.92, significantly lower than the national median of $73.02. This pay reflects the unique working environment of air traffic controllers, who often operate in high-pressure settings such as en route center radar consoles, terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities, and airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working typically three days a week, this translates to a solid income while balancing other commitments, especially in a city with a cost of living index of 86.9. For those interested in per-diem opportunities, hourly compensation ranges from $34.18 at the entry level to over $87.78 for top earners, showcasing a competitive market tailored for skilled professionals ready to adapt to dynamic working conditions.
About the North Little Rock 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) | $34.18 | $273.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.42 | $339.38 |
| Median (P50) | $58.92 | $471.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.42 | $603.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.78 | $702.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Little Rock
Based on $58.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.92/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $122,546 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,699. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,356.65 | $10,212 | $122,546 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,413.99 | $6,127 | $73,527 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $942.66 | $4,085 | $49,018 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (North Little Rock) | $58.92 |
| 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 North Little Rock, AR earn a median of $122,556 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.31% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.50% below the Arkansas state average of $125,698.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.92/hr = $73,527/year (purchasing power: $84,612).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,546/year (purchasing power: $141,019).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in North Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in North Little Rock grew 20.4% from $47.71/hr (2019) to $57.44/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.43/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 North Little Rock 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 North Little Rock
Switching to a closer examination of earnings potential, part-time air traffic controllers in North Little Rock might earn roughly $44,160 annually with a schedule of 24 hours per week, compared to the income of their full-time counterparts. The capacity for overtime can dramatically enhance earnings; controllers regularly clock 50-60 hours each week, pushing their effective hourly compensation significantly above the base rate due to overtime pay that is calculated at 1.5 times their standard hourly wages. In terms of hourly rates across the industry, differences emerge depending on the type of employer, with those employed at FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and military air traffic control typically enjoying a higher wage scale. Despite potential lower hourly rates at FAA contract towers, some controllers might prefer these roles for their benefits packages, negotiating between pay and job security. Understanding these dynamics is vital for air traffic controllers, as they seek to maximize their potential through the myriad of opportunities available within the North Little Rock ATC landscape.
More salary data for North Little Rock, 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 North Little Rock. 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 North Little Rock 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