Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Erie, CO: $77.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Erie, CO runs $77.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $161,364 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,825 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Erie, Colorado, has a competitive hourly pay rate for air traffic controllers, with a median of $77.58 per hour in 2026. This figure surpasses the national median of $73.02 per hour, positioning Erie as an attractive location for professionals in the field. The hourly wage reflects the demanding environment in which controllers operate, including various settings such as en route center radar consoles and airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, their potential earnings would amount to around $60,000 annually, while per-diem workers in this occupation may also find lucrative opportunities in transitional training or temporary assignments, which typically offer flexible scheduling. The hourly rate spans considerably from $45.00 for entry-level positions to $107.07 for those at the top of their career, indicating the wide range of expertise and responsibility within the role.
About the Erie Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.00 | $359.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.86 | $446.88 |
| Median (P50) | $77.58 | $620.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.14 | $777.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.07 | $856.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $77.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.58/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, CO can expect to earn approximately $161,375 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $93,101. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,103.36 | $13,448 | $161,375 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,862.01 | $8,069 | $96,825 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,241.34 | $5,379 | $64,550 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Erie) | $77.58 |
| 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 Erie, CO earn a median of $161,364 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.24% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.10% below the Colorado state average of $163,159.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.58/hr = $96,825/year (purchasing power: $92,214).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $161,375/year (purchasing power: $153,690).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Erie grew 20.4% from $62.82/hr (2019) to $75.64/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.58/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 Erie 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 Erie
Considering the financial benefits and responsibilities, it's essential to understand how the earnings can differ between full-time and part-time roles. A controller working part-time for 24 hours each week could earn around $60,000 annually, offering a suitable balance for those valuing time flexibility. In contrast, full-time employees often find themselves working overtime, sometimes clocking 50-60 hours weekly, which can significantly increase their effective hourly compensation through time-and-a-half pay. In Erie, different types of employment — from FAA en route facilities to contract towers — can also affect wages. While some controllers might prioritize higher hourly pay with no benefits, others find value in stable employment that includes health insurance and retirement plans. To navigate this landscape effectively, negotiation is key; controllers should leverage their experience and the local demand for their skill set when discussing pay with potential employers. Understanding the compensation dynamics in the air traffic controller profession in Erie, CO, can significantly impact one’s career satisfaction and financial wellbeing.
More salary data for Erie, CO:
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 Erie. 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 Erie 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