Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Johnston, IA: $59.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Johnston, IA runs $59.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,285 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Johnston's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,975 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Johnston, Iowa, the projected hourly pay for air traffic controllers is set at $59.28 as of 2026, which falls below the national median of $73.02. This rate reflects the specialized demands of the job, which can encompass operations from en route centers to airport traffic control towers. Part-time positions, typically requiring a commitment of three days per week, can yield significant earnings depending on the hours worked. Trainees and newer controllers may start at lower hourly rates around $34.87—while the top earners in the area potentially make as much as $83.10 hourly. Overall, these figures suggest that while Johnston's air traffic controller hourly pay aligns with its regional economic conditions, it may not be as competitive compared to comparable positions nationally.
About the Johnston 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) | $34.87 | $278.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.77 | $350.13 |
| Median (P50) | $59.28 | $474.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.60 | $604.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.10 | $664.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Johnston
Based on $59.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.28/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Johnston, IA can expect to earn approximately $123,292 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,130. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Johnston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Johnston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,371.01 | $10,274 | $123,292 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,422.60 | $6,165 | $73,975 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $948.40 | $4,110 | $49,317 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Johnston) | $59.28 |
| 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 Johnston, IA earn a median of $123,285 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.83% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.20% below the Iowa state average of $132,850.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.28/hr = $73,975/year (purchasing power: $81,831).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,292/year (purchasing power: $136,385).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Johnston grew 20.4% from $48.00/hr (2019) to $57.79/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.80/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 Johnston 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 Johnston
Moving beyond basic pay, the incentives associated with part-time and per-diem roles can significantly alter overall compensation in this profession. A part-time air traffic controller working a three-day week might net an annual income that contrasts sharply with full-time counterparts, especially when one factors in the prospects for overtime. Controllers often find themselves working additional hours at time-and-a-half, a reality especially common in understaffed facilities. This overtime alone can contribute an extra $50,000 to $100,000 each year. As Johnston is home to various types of employers, controllers at FAA ARTCCs, TRACONs, and contract towers often face differing rates that influence hourly compensation. Balancing guaranteed health benefits against higher hourly wages is a decision that many air traffic controllers in Johnston consider when navigating their career paths. Understanding these dynamics can empower prospective controllers to negotiate effectively for their desired roles and compensation packages.
More salary data for Johnston, 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 Johnston. 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 Johnston 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