Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Port Orange, FL: $73.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Port Orange, FL runs $73.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $153,146 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Port Orange's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $91,884 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Port Orange, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers is $73.62, slightly above the national median of $73.02. This competitive rate is appealing for part-time controllers working three days a week; they could potentially earn a significant amount while enjoying more flexible schedules in various work environments such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers. Entry-level positions start at an hourly rate of around $42.70, while experienced controllers can earn up to $109.09 per hour, reflecting a wide range of opportunities in this field. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, illustrate the financial prospects for those considering a career as an air traffic controller in Port Orange, Florida.
About the Port Orange 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) | $42.70 | $341.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.90 | $431.20 |
| Median (P50) | $73.62 | $589.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93.57 | $748.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.09 | $872.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Port Orange
Based on $73.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.62/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Port Orange, FL can expect to earn approximately $153,139 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,350. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Port Orange.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Port Orange
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,944.99 | $12,762 | $153,139 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,766.99 | $7,657 | $91,884 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,178.00 | $5,105 | $61,256 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Port Orange) | $73.62 |
| 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 Port Orange, FL earn a median of $153,146 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.83% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% below the Florida state average of $154,537.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.62/hr = $91,884/year (purchasing power: $91,154).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $153,139/year (purchasing power: $151,924).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Port Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Port Orange grew 20.4% from $59.62/hr (2019) to $71.78/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $75.52/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 Port Orange 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 Port Orange
When examining the financial landscape for air traffic controllers in Port Orange, those pursuing part-time work can expect to take home significant earnings without the commitment of a full-time role. A controller working 24 hours a week might appreciate a reliable income while enjoying their specific lifestyle choices. Furthermore, the per-diem structure for air traffic controllers in Port Orange can inflate earnings considerably. Controllers often find themselves working 50 to 60 hours per week in understaffed facilities, leading to substantial overtime pay, which can elevate total annual compensation significantly. The variation in hourly pay rates is influenced by the type of employer, with federal facilities like FAA en route centers and TRACONs typically offering higher compensation than FAA contract towers. Some controllers may opt for lower hourly wages with benefits, whereas others trade benefits for a higher hourly rate. For those negotiating hourly pay, it’s advisable to highlight experience and flexibility, particularly in the context of Port Orange’s specific air traffic control facilities.
More salary data for Port Orange, 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 Port Orange. 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 Port Orange 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