Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Fort Myers, FL: $74.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Fort Myers, FL runs $74.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $154,551 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Fort Myers's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $92,729 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Myers, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $74.30, reflecting a slight increase of 1.75% over the national median of $73.02. This rate positions Fort Myers within a competitive range, which can be especially significant for those working part-time or in per-diem roles. Being in a profession that usually operates under demanding conditions, air traffic controllers work in environments such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers, where they must be proficient despite the pressures of the job. The hourly earnings range from $43.10 for entry-level positions to as much as $111.66 for experienced professionals at the top of the scale. Such figures illustrate the potential financial benefits of this career path in the region.
About the Fort Myers 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) | $43.10 | $344.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.58 | $428.66 |
| Median (P50) | $74.30 | $594.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93.57 | $748.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111.66 | $893.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Myers
Based on $74.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.30/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Myers, FL can expect to earn approximately $154,548 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,162. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fort Myers.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Myers
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,972.07 | $12,879 | $154,548 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,783.24 | $7,727 | $92,729 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,188.83 | $5,152 | $61,819 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Fort Myers) | $74.30 |
| 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 Fort Myers, FL earn a median of $154,551 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.75% higher than the national median of $151,886.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.30/hr = $92,729/year (purchasing power: $91,993).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $154,548/year (purchasing power: $153,321).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Fort Myers (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Fort Myers grew 20.4% from $60.17/hr (2019) to $72.44/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.21/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 Fort Myers 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 Fort Myers
Regarding earning potential, those choosing a part-time schedule as an air traffic controller—say, three days a week—can take home a different financial picture annually compared to full-timers. Working only 24 hours a week, one might earn a substantial income but perhaps not as much as full-time counterparts who frequently benefit from overtime pay that can elevate earnings significantly. In fact, many controllers at understaffed facilities often work 50-60 hour weeks, accruing overtime pay that can push annual compensation well over six figures. The varying hourly rates across different employer types in Fort Myers—whether at FAA en route centers, TRACONs, or airport control towers—illustrate another layer of complexity in the field. Additionally, while some might prioritize a higher hourly wage without benefits, others opt for lower rates that include health insurance and other perks. For those in negotiations, it’s crucial to emphasize the balance between hourly pay and overall compensation, making choices that align with their financial and lifestyle goals.
More salary data for Fort Myers, 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 Fort Myers. 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 Fort Myers 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