Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Lakeland, FL: $75.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Lakeland, FL runs $75.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $157,712 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Lakeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $94,623 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakeland, FL, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to reach $75.82 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $73.02. This higher hourly rate reflects both local demand and compensation structures within the field. For controllers working part-time—say, three days a week—this translates to a relatively significant income. Part-time roles can offer flexibility, allowing professionals to balance their work with other commitments, yet still earning in high-pressure environments such as en route centers and busy airport control towers. The hourly range varies dramatically, from $43.98 for entry-level positions to $116.25 for experienced controllers, highlighting the earning potential as one advances through the ranks or takes on more significant responsibilities.
About the Lakeland 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) | $43.98 | $351.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.59 | $436.70 |
| Median (P50) | $75.82 | $606.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.05 | $776.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116.25 | $930.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakeland
Based on $75.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.82/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakeland, FL can expect to earn approximately $157,705 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,984. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,032.79 | $13,142 | $157,705 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,819.67 | $7,885 | $94,623 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,213.12 | $5,257 | $63,082 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Lakeland) | $75.82 |
| 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 Lakeland, FL earn a median of $157,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.84% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.00% above the Florida state average of $154,619.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.82/hr = $94,623/year (purchasing power: $93,872).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $157,705/year (purchasing power: $156,453).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lakeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Lakeland grew 20.4% from $61.40/hr (2019) to $73.92/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.77/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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland
The financial outlook for air traffic controllers in Lakeland is distinctively favorable, especially for those willing to engage in shift work or overtime. For example, a part-time controller working 24 hours a week could expect annual earnings that, while less than full-time, could still be robust. Many controllers augment their pay through per diem work or overtime, commonly requiring them to put in extra hours due to staffing shortages at facilities. Controllers may frequently clock in 50-60 hours weekly, significantly increasing their overall hourly compensation as they benefit from 1.5x rates for overtime work. Various employer types present different opportunities; FAA en route, terminal, and contract towers each have unique pay scales and operational demands. Controllers who enjoy more predictable benefits might opt for positions with lower hourly rates, while those prioritizing higher pay might pursue contract roles, understanding the trade-off in terms of health insurance and job stability. Aspiring controllers in Lakeland should negotiate carefully, taking into consideration both the hourly rate and the associated benefits when considering potential employment options.
More salary data for Lakeland, 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 Lakeland. 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 Lakeland 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