Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Fort Dodge, IA: $58.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Fort Dodge, IA runs $58.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $121,927 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Fort Dodge's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,156 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Dodge, Iowa, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $58.62, which lags behind the national median of $73.02. This hourly compensation reflects the complexities of their roles, whether they are stationed at en route centers or engaged in terminal control. For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week would yield a different lifestyle, granting flexibility while still allowing for a competitive income. Entry-level controllers might start at an hourly rate of $34.00, while top earners have the potential to make up to $78.97. These estimates are based on projected data derived from annual salary models, illustrating a viable career path in air traffic control within the unique employment context of Fort Dodge.
About the Fort Dodge 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) | $34.00 | $272.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.49 | $339.96 |
| Median (P50) | $58.62 | $468.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.99 | $591.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.97 | $631.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Dodge
Based on $58.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.62/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Dodge, IA can expect to earn approximately $121,927 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,343. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Dodge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Dodge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,344.75 | $10,161 | $121,927 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,406.85 | $6,096 | $73,156 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $937.90 | $4,064 | $48,771 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Fort Dodge) | $58.62 |
| 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 Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $121,927 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.72% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $132,818.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.62/hr = $73,156/year (purchasing power: $80,925).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $121,927/year (purchasing power: $134,875).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Fort Dodge grew 20.4% from $47.47/hr (2019) to $57.15/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.13/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 Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge
While full-time positions offer a stable income, part-time air traffic controllers could see both advantages and challenges in balancing hours and benefits. Working 24 hours a week, a controller could expect earnings that still potentially approach a full-time salary, depending on overtime opportunities. The per diem air traffic controller pay in Fort Dodge could further enhance financial stability, especially considering the trend of controllers often putting in 50-60 hours each week for added compensation. These additional hours—often offered at 1.5 times the base rate—can position earnings significantly higher than the standard hourly figure. Different employment types impact earning potential, with FAA facilities generally offering structured pay scales while military roles might focus on separate career trajectories. The trade-offs between hourly pay and health benefits should be carefully weighed as prospective controllers navigate their options in Fort Dodge. Practical negotiation tips, such as demonstrating flexibility and expressing interest in shift coverage, could also bolster an applicant's profile in this competitive field.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, IA:
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 Fort Dodge. 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 Fort Dodge 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