Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Altamonte Springs, FL: $72.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Altamonte Springs, FL runs $72.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $150,578 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Altamonte Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,348 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Altamonte Springs, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers stands at $72.39, slightly below the national median of $73.02. This rate not only reflects the significance of the position but also implies robust earning potential for part-time controllers, especially those working three days a week. In typical environments—whether in control rooms shrouded in dim light, airport traffic control towers flaunting panoramic views, or the specialized radar facilities—these professionals can utilize their skills in high-pressure settings. The hourly pay range in Altamonte Springs starts at $41.99 for entry-level positions, extending to $100.26 for top earners. These figures, estimated from annual salary data, provide potential employees a clear perspective on what they might expect as they advance in their careers.
About the Altamonte Springs Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.99 | $335.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.13 | $417.01 |
| Median (P50) | $72.39 | $579.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.87 | $726.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.26 | $802.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Altamonte Springs
Based on $72.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.39/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Altamonte Springs, FL can expect to earn approximately $150,579 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,873. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Altamonte Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Altamonte Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,895.76 | $12,548 | $150,579 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,737.45 | $7,529 | $90,348 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,158.30 | $5,019 | $60,232 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Altamonte Springs) | $72.39 |
| 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 Altamonte Springs, FL earn a median of $150,578 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.86% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.60% below the Florida state average of $154,597.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.39/hr = $90,348/year (purchasing power: $89,631).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $150,579/year (purchasing power: $149,384).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Altamonte Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Altamonte Springs grew 20.4% from $58.62/hr (2019) to $70.58/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.25/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 Altamonte Springs 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 Altamonte Springs
When considering the financial viability of air traffic controller positions, it’s essential to analyze part-time opportunities versus full-time roles. A controller working 24 hours per week can anticipate a different annual income compared to a full-time peer. Many facilities face chronic understaffing, creating environments where controllers often work significant overtime, sometimes resulting in effective hourly compensation well above base rates. With regular hours plus overtime, controllers can see annual earnings soar, often reaching $50,000-$100,000 more than their standard base due to the commitment required at FAA facilities. Additionally, the type of employer plays a crucial role in determining hourly wages; FAA en route centers and military air traffic control offer competitive rates but may vary from contract towers. Negotiating for better conditions, whether for benefits or higher pay, is vital in Altamonte Springs, where deciding between a higher hourly rate without benefits and a lower one with health insurance can significantly impact overall compensation.
More salary data for Altamonte Springs, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Altamonte Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Altamonte Springs?
Are air traffic controllers in Altamonte Springs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Altamonte Springs?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Altamonte Springs?
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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 Altamonte Springs. 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 Altamonte Springs 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