Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Winter Springs, FL: $71.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Winter Springs, FL runs $71.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $148,071 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Winter Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,837 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winter Springs, Florida, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers stands at $71.18. This rate is just below the national average of $73.02 per hour, highlighting a slight regional disparity in compensation. For part-time air traffic controllers, who may work three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a stable income while maintaining flexibility. The hourly range for this occupation varies significantly, from an entry-level pay of $41.28 to seasoned professionals earning as much as $100.67 per hour. Air traffic controllers typically work in various environments, including en route centers with radar consoles, TRACON facilities near major airports, and control towers providing expansive visibility. These settings contribute to the dynamic nature of the profession and its varying payment structures, with rates estimated based on annual salary data.
About the Winter Springs 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) | $41.28 | $330.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.77 | $414.14 |
| Median (P50) | $71.18 | $569.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91.12 | $728.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.67 | $805.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winter Springs
Based on $71.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.18/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winter Springs, FL can expect to earn approximately $148,062 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,420. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Winter Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winter Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,847.34 | $12,338 | $148,062 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,708.41 | $7,403 | $88,837 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,138.94 | $4,935 | $59,225 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Winter Springs) | $71.18 |
| 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 Winter Springs, FL earn a median of $148,071 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.51% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.20% below the Florida state average of $154,563.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.18/hr = $88,837/year (purchasing power: $88,132).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $148,062/year (purchasing power: $146,887).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Winter Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Winter Springs grew 20.4% from $57.64/hr (2019) to $69.40/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.01/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 Winter Springs 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 Winter Springs
When it comes to earning potential, part-time air traffic controllers in Winter Springs, working a standard 24-hour week, could expect to make around $83,407 annually. This contrasts sharply with the incomes of full-time controllers, who often work significantly more hours, sometimes reaching 50-60 hours per week due to chronic understaffing. The pressure for overtime compensation, often at 1.5 times the base rate, allows many controllers to dramatically increase their effective hourly earnings, with annual totals that can exceed $100,000 when factoring in overtime. The variability in hourly rates also depends on the employers; FAA facilities provide different benefits compared to contract towers. Some controllers may choose lower hourly rates for comprehensive health insurance, whereas others opt for higher pay without benefits. Negotiating hourly pay in Winter Springs requires a keen understanding of these dynamics, particularly as air traffic controllers navigate the demands and staffing realities of their profession. The per diem air traffic controller pay in Winter Springs also offers unique opportunities, particularly for those involved in temporary work roles or cross-training at various facilities.
More salary data for Winter Springs, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Winter Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Winter Springs?
Are air traffic controllers in Winter Springs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Winter Springs?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Winter Springs?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
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 Winter Springs. 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 Winter Springs 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