Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Bettendorf, IA: $61.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Bettendorf, IA runs $61.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,901 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Bettendorf's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,139 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bettendorf, Iowa, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $61.01, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This pay structure reflects a range between $35.39 for entry-level positions and $87.97 for those at the top of their game. Given the nature of the work, controllers often operate in high-pressure environments, such as en route centers and TRACON facilities, where they manage complex air traffic. For part-time workers who might log around 24 hours a week across three days, this hourly rate can yield a decent living, but it may not match the income potential of full-time colleagues. Per-diem air traffic controller pay in Bettendorf, often seen with those working in various facilities, can also factor into overall compensation, making the role flexible and dynamic.
About the Bettendorf Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.39 | $283.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.17 | $353.33 |
| Median (P50) | $61.01 | $488.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.10 | $624.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.97 | $703.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bettendorf
Based on $61.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.01/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bettendorf, IA can expect to earn approximately $126,898 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,210. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bettendorf.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bettendorf
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,440.35 | $10,575 | $126,898 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,464.21 | $6,345 | $76,139 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $976.14 | $4,230 | $50,759 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Bettendorf) | $61.01 |
| 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 Bettendorf, IA earn a median of $126,901 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.45% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $132,880.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.01/hr = $76,139/year (purchasing power: $84,224).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,898/year (purchasing power: $140,374).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bettendorf (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Bettendorf grew 20.4% from $49.40/hr (2019) to $59.48/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.58/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 Bettendorf 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 Bettendorf
Earnings can vary significantly depending on work arrangements and facility types. For a part-time air traffic controller averaging 24 hours a week, the take-home pay can still provide a reasonable standard of living, albeit less than that of full-time counterparts. Overtime opportunities can significantly enhance earnings, as many controllers experience extended shifts in understaffed locations, resulting in pay that exceeds base rates. For example, controller positions in FAA en route centers and TRACONs typically demand higher hourly rates compared to smaller FAA contract towers. Some professionals in Bettendorf may opt for positions offering lower hourly rates yet include substantial benefits like health insurance. Therefore, negotiation tactics should emphasize job security and benefits, especially within the context of the ongoing challenges related to staffing shortages and mandatory age-related retirement in the field.
More salary data for Bettendorf, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 Bettendorf. 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 Bettendorf 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