Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Palm Bay, FL: $74.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Palm Bay, FL runs $74.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $155,126 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Palm Bay's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,074 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Palm Bay, Florida, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at a competitive rate of $74.58, which slightly exceeds the national median of $73.02. This disparity emphasizes the attractive compensation offered in this coastal city and may influence job seekers considering a career in air traffic control. For those considering part-time roles, such as working just three days a week, this hourly rate can still yield a substantial income, enabling them to manage work alongside personal commitments. The range of hourly pay spans significantly within the field, starting from $43.25 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $106.99 for top earners in high-demand roles, particularly in environments like en route centers, TRACON facilities, or bustling airport control towers.
About the Palm Bay 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) | $43.25 | $346.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.70 | $429.56 |
| Median (P50) | $74.58 | $596.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.03 | $760.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.99 | $855.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palm Bay
Based on $74.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.58/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palm Bay, FL can expect to earn approximately $155,124 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,494. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Palm Bay.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palm Bay
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,983.15 | $12,927 | $155,124 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,789.89 | $7,756 | $93,074 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,193.26 | $5,171 | $62,049 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Palm Bay) | $74.58 |
| 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 Palm Bay, FL earn a median of $155,126 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.13% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.40% above the Florida state average of $154,508.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.58/hr = $93,074/year (purchasing power: $92,335).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $155,124/year (purchasing power: $153,892).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Palm Bay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Palm Bay grew 20.4% from $60.39/hr (2019) to $72.71/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.50/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 Palm Bay 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 Palm Bay
Exploring the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Palm Bay reveals a contrasting scenario versus full-time employees. A controller working a part-time schedule of 24 hours a week could anticipate an annual take-home amount that mirrors a desirable income, particularly when factoring in possible overtime in understaffed environments. Many controllers working full-time capture additional earnings through overtime, often accruing 50-60 hours weekly, which can substantially elevate their overall compensation. Various employers—including FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and contract towers—offer different hourly rates, impacting potential take-home pay. Some seasoned controllers prioritize higher hourly compensation without benefits, while others opt for positions with health coverage, even if it means slightly lower hourly rates. For aspiring air traffic controllers in Palm Bay, understanding the dynamics of per diem air traffic controller pay, especially in relation to training negotiations, coupled with practical negotiation strategies, can enhance their career rewards significantly.
More salary data for Palm Bay, 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 Palm Bay. 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 Palm Bay 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