Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Van Buren, AR: $56.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Van Buren, AR runs $56.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,630 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Van Buren's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,982 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Van Buren, Arkansas, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $56.08, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $73.02. This difference highlights a significant regional pay disparity that can influence career decisions, especially for those considering part-time or per-diem positions. Working part-time, say three days a week, allows for flexible schedules in environments such as busy control towers or radar facilities, which are designed for precision without the distractions of external views. The potential hourly range for controllers varies, with entry-level positions starting around $33.00 and top-tier earners reaching up to $78.75 per hour. These figures, while reflective of the annual estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, provide insight into what earning potential might look like at different stages of a controller's career.
About the Van Buren 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) | $33.00 | $263.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.42 | $331.34 |
| Median (P50) | $56.08 | $448.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.45 | $571.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.75 | $630.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Van Buren
Based on $56.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.08/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Van Buren, AR can expect to earn approximately $116,636 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,290. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Van Buren.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Van Buren
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,243.00 | $9,720 | $116,636 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,345.80 | $5,832 | $69,982 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $897.20 | $3,888 | $46,654 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Van Buren) | $56.08 |
| 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 Van Buren, AR earn a median of $116,630 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.21% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.20% below the Arkansas state average of $125,679.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.08/hr = $69,982/year (purchasing power: $80,531).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,636/year (purchasing power: $134,219).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Van Buren (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Van Buren grew 20.4% from $45.41/hr (2019) to $54.67/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.52/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 Van Buren 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 Van Buren
The earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Van Buren reveals an interesting crossroads between lifestyle flexibility and income stability. For those working 24 hours a week, the take-home pay can reflect a comfortable, if not significantly lucrative, annual income. In contrast, many full-time controllers take advantage of overtime opportunities, often working 50-60 hours per week, which can dramatically elevate their overall compensation. These positions may provide effective hourly compensation ranging well beyond the base rate, especially in understaffed facilities where the demand for operational excellence leads to additional hours. The type of facility plays a significant role in the hourly rates as well; for instance, controllers at FAA ARTCCs or TRACON facilities in larger metropolitan areas typically earn more than those at smaller contract towers. Furthermore, while some air traffic controllers may accept lower hourly rates for employment with comprehensive benefits, others might prioritize the higher wages offered in positions that lack these perks. Negotiating hourly pay and working conditions can be critical in this competitive landscape, especially in a region like Van Buren, where pay structures may fluctuate based on employer type and staffing needs.
More salary data for Van Buren, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Van Buren in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Van Buren?
Are air traffic controllers in Van Buren paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Van Buren?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Van Buren?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 Van Buren. 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 Van Buren 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