Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Hilo, HI: $80.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Hilo, HI runs $80.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $168,384 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Hilo's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $67.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $101,036 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $80.96, which is notably higher than the national median of $73.02. This hourly pay reflects the complexity and responsibility inherent in managing air traffic, typically performed in settings such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. Controllers working part-time—say, on a 3-day work week—can secure a significant income while maintaining flexibility, as their contributions remain crucial even in off-peak times. With an hourly range from $46.96 for entry-level positions to $115.69 for seasoned professionals, the potential earnings in this field vary significantly based on experience and facility type.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.96 | $375.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.29 | $466.32 |
| Median (P50) | $80.96 | $647.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.62 | $828.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.69 | $925.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilo
Based on $80.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.96/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilo, HI can expect to earn approximately $168,394 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,150. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hilo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,238.34 | $14,033 | $168,394 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,943.00 | $8,420 | $101,036 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,295.34 | $5,613 | $67,357 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Hilo) | $80.96 |
| 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 Hilo, HI earn a median of $168,384 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.86% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $177,433.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.96/hr = $101,036/year (purchasing power: $84,691).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $168,394/year (purchasing power: $141,151).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $77.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Hilo grew 20.4% from $65.56/hr (2019) to $78.93/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.04/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 Hilo 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 Hilo
Considering the financial landscape, a part-time air traffic controller in Hilo, working three days a week for a total of 24 hours, would realize a substantial annual income when factoring in the hourly rate. While the base compensation is impressive, many controllers find themselves working overtime—often 50-60 hours a week in understaffed contexts—which can elevate their overall earnings significantly through overtime pay. The nature of air traffic control positions in Hilo varies across employer types, including FAA en route centers and military installations, further influencing hourly compensation. It’s common for controllers to weigh their options between higher hourly rates without health benefits and lower rates that include insurance. New controllers should be prepared to negotiate their contracts wisely, keeping in mind the specific demands of FAA management and the incremental benefits offered at different facilities. This insight into the air traffic controller hourly pay in Hilo highlights a lucrative and evolving career option within the aviation industry.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
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 Hilo. 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 Hilo 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