Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Moscow, ID: $70.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Moscow, ID runs $70.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,509 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Moscow's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,903 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Moscow, Idaho, the air traffic controller hourly pay reaches a median of $70.43, slightly below the national median of $73.02. This pay structure offers flexibility for those looking for part-time work, such as controllers who may choose to work three days a week, potentially earning significant income while enjoying ample time off. In typical environments like en route centers, TRACON facilities, or control tower cabs at airports, controllers handle critical tasks that ensure the seamless flow of air traffic. The hourly earnings range from $40.85 at entry-level positions (P10) to as much as $101.84 for top earners (P90), showcasing the potential for advanced roles in this demanding field. Notably, these hourly rates are derived from projected annual salary data for 2026, reflecting the profession's evolving economic landscape in Moscow.
About the Moscow Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.85 | $326.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.71 | $405.68 |
| Median (P50) | $70.43 | $563.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.16 | $721.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.84 | $814.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Moscow
Based on $70.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.43/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Moscow, ID can expect to earn approximately $146,504 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,522. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Moscow.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Moscow
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,817.39 | $12,209 | $146,504 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,690.44 | $7,325 | $87,903 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,126.96 | $4,883 | $58,602 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Moscow) | $70.43 |
| 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 Moscow, ID earn a median of $146,509 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.54% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.50% below the Idaho state average of $150,266.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.43/hr = $87,903/year (purchasing power: $92,238).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,504/year (purchasing power: $153,730).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Moscow (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Moscow grew 20.4% from $57.03/hr (2019) to $68.67/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.24/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 Moscow 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 Moscow
Focusing on the part-time potential, a controller working 24 hours per week can expect to bring home around $109,487 annually, a figure that highlights the attractive side of this career, especially when balanced against full-time earnings. For those in more flexible positions, the per diem air traffic controller pay in Moscow can also provide a substantial boost, especially with opportunities for overtime—often 1.5 times the base rate. Many certified professional controllers (CPCs) find themselves working upwards of 50-60 hours a week, leading to an additional $50,000 to $100,000 in overtime compensation. Hourly rates can vary depending on the employer type; positions within FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and airport control towers all present unique benefits and trade-offs. Some controllers may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, while others pursue higher pay without benefits to maximize their earnings. It's essential for air traffic controllers in Moscow to negotiate effectively, especially regarding shift options and additional responsibilities, to enhance their overall compensation package.
More salary data for Moscow, ID:
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 Moscow. 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 Moscow 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