Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Pensacola, FL: $73.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Pensacola, FL runs $73.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $153,658 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Pensacola's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $92,191 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pensacola, Florida, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $73.87, which surpasses the national hourly median of $73.02. This competitive pay means that part-time controllers working a 24-hour week can expect an annual income of approximately $57,800, while per-diem workers can negotiate rates that often exceed the median base due to the specific settings in which they operate. Air traffic control roles can be found in en route center radar consoles, TRACON radar facilities near airports, and control towers that provide a panoramic view of incoming and outgoing flights. The hours worked can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $42.84 per hour and top earners in Pensacola reaching $105.45 per hour. These hourly wages are derived from projected estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflecting the unique dynamics of the air traffic control profession.
About the Pensacola 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) | $42.84 | $342.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.19 | $425.54 |
| Median (P50) | $73.87 | $590.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.13 | $753.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105.45 | $843.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pensacola
Based on $73.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.87/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pensacola, FL can expect to earn approximately $153,652 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,645. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pensacola.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pensacola
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,954.84 | $12,804 | $153,652 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,772.90 | $7,683 | $92,191 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,181.93 | $5,122 | $61,461 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Pensacola) | $73.87 |
| 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 Pensacola, FL earn a median of $153,658 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.17% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% below the Florida state average of $154,586.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.87/hr = $92,191/year (purchasing power: $91,459).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $153,652/year (purchasing power: $152,432).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pensacola (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Pensacola grew 20.4% from $59.82/hr (2019) to $72.02/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $75.77/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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola
For part-time air traffic controllers in Pensacola, working three days a week presents a solid earning potential compared to full-time roles, even if the overall compensation structure varies across employment types. Controllers employed on a per-diem basis can significantly enhance their effective hourly compensation through overtime opportunities, with many experienced controllers logging 50 to 60 hours weekly, which can result in annual bonuses ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 or more. Hourly rates could vary based on employer types, including FAA en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. For example, while some may opt for positions with lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits, others might focus on securing high hourly rates without additional perks. When negotiating compensation, it’s practical to highlight the need for flexibility and responsiveness to the demands of working in Pensacola's air traffic environment.
More salary data for Pensacola, 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 Pensacola. 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 Pensacola 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