Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Melbourne, FL: $75.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Melbourne, FL runs $75.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $156,559 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Melbourne's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,932 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Melbourne, Florida, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $75.27, which exceeds the national hourly median of $73.02, highlighting a favorable financial outlook for professionals in this area. This hourly income reflects conditions across various control environments such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, and control towers—places where air traffic controllers coordinate and manage high volumes of air traffic. For those working part-time, averaging three days per week, earning potential changes significantly; controllers can realize a respectable income while achieving a work-life balance. The hourly range spans from $43.65 at the entry level to $107.55 for the highest earners in the field, indicative of the pay scale's tie to experience and facility dynamics within the state.
About the Melbourne 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) | $43.65 | $349.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.20 | $433.58 |
| Median (P50) | $75.27 | $602.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.97 | $767.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.55 | $860.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Melbourne
Based on $75.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.27/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Melbourne, FL can expect to earn approximately $156,553 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,319. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Melbourne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Melbourne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,010.63 | $13,046 | $156,553 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,806.38 | $7,828 | $93,932 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,204.25 | $5,218 | $62,621 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Melbourne) | $75.27 |
| 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 Melbourne, FL earn a median of $156,559 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.08% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% above the Florida state average of $154,550.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.27/hr = $93,932/year (purchasing power: $93,186).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $156,553/year (purchasing power: $155,311).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Melbourne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Melbourne grew 20.4% from $60.95/hr (2019) to $73.38/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.20/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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne
Analyzing the earning opportunities for air traffic controllers reveals substantial variation, especially when considering part-time and per-diem work. A controller working 24 hours a week brings home a solid income, even while enjoying non-traditional hours. Increased compensation often comes from overtime, as controllers working at understaffed facilities may clock 50-60 hours weekly, which can lead to earnings significantly above base rates. Various employers also influence air traffic controller pay in Melbourne: FAA-operated centers and control towers typically offer different financial packages, impacting overall hourly compensation. Some may prefer facilities with insurance benefits despite lower pay, while others may chase higher rates without benefits for greater take-home pay. Understanding how to negotiate for favorable hourly rates—whether at a large ARTCC or a smaller contract tower—is crucial for anyone looking to maximize their earnings in this competitive field.
More salary data for Melbourne, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Melbourne in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Melbourne?
Are air traffic controllers in Melbourne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Melbourne?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Melbourne?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
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 Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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