Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Panama City, FL: $73.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Panama City, FL runs $73.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $153,312 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Panama City's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $91,986 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Panama City, Florida, earn a median hourly rate of $73.71, slightly above the national hourly median of $73.02. This competitive pay allows for substantial earnings, particularly for individuals working part-time or on a per-diem basis in various settings, including en route centers, terminal facilities, and control towers. Those partaking in a part-time schedule, such as three days a week, can still make a significant income, while per-diem air traffic controller pay in Panama City provides flexibility and can lead to lucrative compensation depending on the demand for coverage. The hourly range for this profession in the area extends from $42.75 for entry-level positions to $101.90 for highly experienced controllers, reflecting the varied experience levels and responsibilities in the field.
About the Panama City 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) | $42.75 | $342.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.07 | $424.56 |
| Median (P50) | $73.71 | $589.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.63 | $741.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.90 | $815.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Panama City
Based on $73.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.71/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Panama City, FL can expect to earn approximately $153,310 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,448. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Panama City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Panama City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,948.27 | $12,776 | $153,310 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,768.96 | $7,666 | $91,986 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,179.31 | $5,110 | $61,324 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Panama City) | $73.71 |
| 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 Panama City, FL earn a median of $153,312 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.94% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the Florida state average of $154,549.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.71/hr = $91,986/year (purchasing power: $91,256).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $153,310/year (purchasing power: $152,093).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Panama City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Panama City grew 20.4% from $59.68/hr (2019) to $71.86/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $75.60/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 Panama City 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 Panama City
Calculating the annual earnings for part-time air traffic controllers working 24 hours a week reveals a potential income that remains attractive when compared to full-time work. Controllers could find themselves earning significantly more through overtime, often clocking in 50-60 hours a week due to chronic understaffing in facilities, driving their actual compensation well beyond the base hourly pay. Moreover, per diem roles may allow for negotiation on rates, especially during training phases at different facilities. Employers like FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and airport towers each offer distinct pay scales influenced by operational demands. Health benefits also play a critical role in the decision-making process; some controllers opt for positions with slightly lower hourly pay to secure comprehensive health coverage. Thus, negotiating based on the specifics of each facility's needs can lead to better financial outcomes while supporting career aspirations in air traffic control.
More salary data for Panama City, 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 Panama City. 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 Panama City 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