Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in North Port, FL: $74.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in North Port, FL runs $74.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $155,237 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against North Port's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,138 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the air traffic controller hourly pay in North Port, Florida, is projected to reach $74.63, outpacing the national median of $73.02. This competitive rate offers attractive opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers. For those opting for part-time schedules, which typically involve three days a week, earning potential remains substantial. Given the nature of the work, air traffic controllers often operate from control rooms, tower cabs, and simulation facilities, providing an engaging environment. With hourly wages ranging from $43.28 for entry-level positions to $105.17 for experienced professionals, controllers can enjoy significant financial rewards based on their expertise and the demands of their positions. These figures represent projected estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, reflecting the evolving landscape of air traffic control compensation.
About the North Port 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) | $43.28 | $346.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.74 | $429.89 |
| Median (P50) | $74.63 | $597.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.51 | $756.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105.17 | $841.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Port
Based on $74.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.63/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Port, FL can expect to earn approximately $155,230 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,556. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in North Port.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Port
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,985.20 | $12,936 | $155,230 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,791.12 | $7,762 | $93,138 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,194.08 | $5,174 | $62,092 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (North Port) | $74.63 |
| 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 North Port, FL earn a median of $155,237 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.21% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.40% above the Florida state average of $154,618.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.63/hr = $93,138/year (purchasing power: $92,399).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $155,230/year (purchasing power: $153,998).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in North Port (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in North Port grew 20.4% from $60.43/hr (2019) to $72.76/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.55/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 North Port 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 North Port
In practical terms, a part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours a week could anticipate an annual take-home of approximately $58,200, creating a lifestyle option that remains lucrative while allowing for flexibility. Those in agency positions or taking on per-diem roles within North Port experience even greater earning potential. Overtime pay (at 1.5 times the base rate) can substantially elevate overall compensation, with many controllers frequently working 50-60 hours a week, leading to possible earnings exceeding $100,000 annually when factoring in overtime pay. Employed at various facility types—such as FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control—hourly compensation can differ widely based on the employer. Some choose positions with lower hourly pay for the benefits package, while others might prioritize higher pay without such perks. In negotiations, controllers should consider all compensation elements, including those critical shifts or specialty assignments that may command premium rates, to ensure they secure the best overall pay structure in North Port, FL.
More salary data for North Port, 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 North Port. 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 North Port 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