Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Pinellas Park, FL: $72.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Pinellas Park, FL runs $72.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $151,711 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Pinellas Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $91,026 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pinellas Park, Florida, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at a median rate of $72.94, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This hourly compensation provides substantial income for both full-time and part-time controllers. For those working part-time, specifically on a three-day-per-week schedule, they might find their earnings align well with their lifestyle needs, allowing for a healthy work-life balance while still capitalizing on the potential for significant income. The hourly earnings for air traffic controllers in this area range from an entry-level pay of $42.30 to a top-end figure of $109.56, indicating a lucrative career path particularly in settings like en route centers and airport towers, where controllers manage critical traffic flow under varying conditions.
About the Pinellas Park 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) | $42.30 | $338.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.57 | $420.54 |
| Median (P50) | $72.94 | $583.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91.83 | $734.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.56 | $876.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pinellas Park
Based on $72.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.94/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pinellas Park, FL can expect to earn approximately $151,710 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,525. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pinellas Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pinellas Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,917.50 | $12,643 | $151,710 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,750.50 | $7,586 | $91,026 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,167.00 | $5,057 | $60,684 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Pinellas Park) | $72.94 |
| 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 Pinellas Park, FL earn a median of $151,711 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.12% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.90% below the Florida state average of $154,650.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.94/hr = $91,026/year (purchasing power: $90,304).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $151,710/year (purchasing power: $150,506).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pinellas Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Pinellas Park grew 20.4% from $59.06/hr (2019) to $71.11/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.81/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 Pinellas Park 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 Pinellas Park
For those considering part-time or per-diem opportunities, the financial landscape can be attractive. A part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours a week could see substantial annual earnings, albeit lower than full-time counterparts. However, the flexibility often found in per diem roles can be quite appealing, especially given the overtime realities in this profession. Many controllers find themselves working 50-60 hours per week to meet demands, resulting in effective hourly compensation that surpasses base rates, particularly in understaffed facilities. Various employment types, including FAA en-route centers, TRACON facilities, and military ATC, can influence pay scales, with FAA facilities typically offering benefits that attract controllers despite lower hourly rates. Navigating these choices requires a clear understanding of the trade-offs between hourly pay and comprehensive benefits, as many air traffic controllers in Pinellas Park may opt for roles that provide health coverage while accepting a slightly lower hourly wage.
More salary data for Pinellas Park, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Pinellas Park in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Pinellas Park?
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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 Pinellas Park. 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 Pinellas Park 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