Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Sunrise, FL: $72.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Sunrise, FL runs $72.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $150,206 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Sunrise's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,117 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Sunrise, Florida, earn a median hourly rate of $72.21, slightly below the national median of $73.02. This hourly pay indicates solid earning potential for part-time and per-diem workers in dynamic environments such as en-route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport towers. For individuals working three days per week, this can translate into significant take-home pay, while the hourly rate varies from approximately $41.88 for entry-level positions to $104.42 for top earners. These numbers are derived from the annual salary data, illustrating how the role offers both flexibility and financial reward, especially in various operational settings that demand focused attention and expertise.
About the Sunrise 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) | $41.88 | $335.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.99 | $415.94 |
| Median (P50) | $72.21 | $577.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.44 | $739.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.42 | $835.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sunrise
Based on $72.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.21/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sunrise, FL can expect to earn approximately $150,195 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,651. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sunrise.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sunrise
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,888.37 | $12,516 | $150,195 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,733.02 | $7,510 | $90,117 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,155.35 | $5,007 | $60,078 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Sunrise) | $72.21 |
| 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 Sunrise, FL earn a median of $150,206 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.11% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.80% below the Florida state average of $154,532.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.21/hr = $90,117/year (purchasing power: $89,402).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $150,195/year (purchasing power: $149,003).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sunrise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Sunrise grew 20.4% from $58.47/hr (2019) to $70.40/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.07/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 Sunrise 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 Sunrise
When considering part-time work, controllers who opt for a 24-hour workweek can see their annual earnings notably impacted, particularly when compared to full-time counterparts. The nature of air traffic control positions means many staff frequently work overtime, dramatically enhancing their effective hourly compensation above base rates due to the 1.5x overtime pay structure. In Sunrise, controllers may work at diverse employers, including FAA en-route centers, military facilities, and FAA terminal towers, with salary variations reflecting these types of employment. Additionally, many controllers face the choice between higher hourly opportunities with lower health benefits versus more modest pay with comprehensive packages, influencing job satisfaction and financial stability. For those exploring roles, negotiating effectively—understanding the benefits, hours, and pay structures—can make a substantial difference in achieving both financial goals and job satisfaction in the aviation sector.
More salary data for Sunrise, 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 Sunrise. 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 Sunrise 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