Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Cape Coral, FL: $74.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Cape Coral, FL runs $74.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $154,139 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Cape Coral's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $92,485 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cape Coral, the median hourly pay for air traffic controllers is projected to be $74.11 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $73.02. This competitive hourly rate reflects the specialized skills required for the job and is advantageous for both full-time and part-time air traffic controllers. For those opting for part-time work, such as a three-day workweek, this translates into substantial earnings. Working approximately 24 hours a week can yield a significant income, making air traffic control an attractive option for professionals seeking flexible work arrangements. With the hourly range for this occupation spanning from $42.98 for entry-level positions to as much as $109.97 for experienced controllers, Cape Coral offers various opportunities in settings like en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers where controllers often manage the flow of air traffic in complex environments.
About the Cape Coral 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) | $42.98 | $343.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.36 | $426.86 |
| Median (P50) | $74.11 | $592.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.86 | $758.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.97 | $879.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cape Coral
Based on $74.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.11/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cape Coral, FL can expect to earn approximately $154,142 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,928. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cape Coral.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cape Coral
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,964.27 | $12,845 | $154,142 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,778.56 | $7,707 | $92,485 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,185.71 | $5,138 | $61,657 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Cape Coral) | $74.11 |
| 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 Cape Coral, FL earn a median of $154,139 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.48% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.30% below the Florida state average of $154,603.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.11/hr = $92,485/year (purchasing power: $91,751).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $154,142/year (purchasing power: $152,919).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cape Coral (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Cape Coral grew 20.4% from $60.01/hr (2019) to $72.25/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.01/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 Cape Coral 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 Cape Coral
Considering the financial implications, part-time air traffic controllers can expect to take home a substantial income, even when working reduced hours. For instance, working 24 hours a week at the $74.11 hourly rate results in a notable annual earning potential. Additionally, the realities of the profession may lead many controllers to pursue per diem opportunities for training or agency work, which can significantly boost overall compensation through overtime pay, sometimes reaching 1.5 times the base rate. The demand for air traffic controllers, particularly in an area like Cape Coral experiencing ongoing staffing shortages, positions them favorably in negotiations. Controllers in diverse settings, such as FAA towers and military bases, may find variations in their hourly wages, often reflecting the benefits offered by each employer. Some may choose positions with lower hourly pay that include health insurance, while others might prefer higher hourly rates without benefits. Understanding the trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits can be crucial for controllers navigating their career paths in this competitive industry.
More salary data for Cape Coral, FL:
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 Cape Coral. 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 Cape Coral 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