Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Palm Coast, FL: $74.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Palm Coast, FL runs $74.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $154,576 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Palm Coast's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $92,741 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Palm Coast, Florida, the air traffic controller hourly pay sits at a competitive $74.31, slightly surpassing the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This favorable rate reflects the vital role controllers play in ensuring safe and efficient air traffic operations, whether they are monitoring en route center radar consoles in dimly lit control rooms or coordinating traffic from airport control towers with panoramic views. For part-time controllers, working three days a week can yield significant earnings, allowing them to enjoy flexible schedules while still benefitting from robust hourly pay. Entry-level positions in this field start around $43.10, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $111.70 per hour, contributing to a diverse earning potential that accommodates various levels of expertise within Palm Coast's aviation sector.
About the Palm Coast 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) | $53.51 | $428.09 |
| Median (P50) | $74.31 | $594.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93.61 | $748.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111.70 | $893.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palm Coast
Based on $74.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.31/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palm Coast, FL can expect to earn approximately $154,569 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,174. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Palm Coast.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palm Coast
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,972.48 | $12,881 | $154,569 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,783.49 | $7,728 | $92,741 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,188.99 | $5,152 | $61,828 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Palm Coast) | $74.31 |
| 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 Coast, FL earn a median of $154,576 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.77% higher than the national median of $151,886.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.31/hr = $92,741/year (purchasing power: $92,005).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $154,569/year (purchasing power: $153,342).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Palm Coast (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 | $63.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Palm Coast grew 20.4% from $60.17/hr (2019) to $72.45/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.22/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 Coast 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 Coast
For those considering part-time opportunities, an air traffic controller working 24 hours a week can still generate substantial annual income compared to full-time positions due to the high hourly rate. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Palm Coast offers additional flexibility, particularly for professionals who take on temporary roles or engage in facility transfer training. Controllers often find themselves working 50 to 60 hours a week, where overtime, paid at 1.5 times the base rate, can significantly boost earnings, surpassing $50k to $100k in annual overtime. Various employers, such as FAA en route centers and terminal control facilities, can influence hourly compensation. Some may opt for lower hourly wages that come with robust health benefits, while others prefer higher rates without benefits. It's crucial for controllers to navigate these options wisely and negotiate effectively based on experience and employer type to maximize their compensation in the competitive Palm Coast market.
More salary data for Palm Coast, 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 Coast. 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 Coast 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