Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Mason City, IA: $60.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Mason City, IA runs $60.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,756 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Mason City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,448 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected hourly pay for air traffic controllers in Mason City, Iowa, is estimated at $60.45 for 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This difference may reflect the local cost of living and demand for services in the region. In typical air traffic control settings, such as en route centers or airport towers, controllers working part-time—say three days a week—can expect to earn substantial pay, though their overall income will naturally be limited compared to full-time counterparts. The hourly pay can vary widely, with entry-level positions starting at $35.07 and top earners in the profession making up to $84.15 per hour, showcasing the potential financial rewards in this critical role.
About the Mason City 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) | $35.07 | $280.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.53 | $348.25 |
| Median (P50) | $60.45 | $483.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.14 | $609.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.15 | $673.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mason City
Based on $60.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.45/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mason City, IA can expect to earn approximately $125,746 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,546. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mason City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mason City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,418.19 | $10,479 | $125,746 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,450.91 | $6,287 | $75,448 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $967.28 | $4,192 | $50,298 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Mason City) | $60.45 |
| 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 Mason City, IA earn a median of $125,756 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.20% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.30% below the Iowa state average of $132,794.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.45/hr = $75,448/year (purchasing power: $83,460).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,746/year (purchasing power: $139,099).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Mason City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Mason City grew 20.4% from $48.95/hr (2019) to $58.94/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.01/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 Mason City 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 Mason City
For those considering part-time work in air traffic control, the financial landscape can be surprisingly lucrative. Working a 24-hour schedule across three days weekly allows these controllers to take home a competitive salary, though it pales in comparison to the full-time earnings which often average significantly higher due to the heavy overtime common in this field. Many controllers find themselves engaged in per diem roles or working overtime, earning time-and-a-half, which can often elevate their effective hourly compensation well beyond the standard base rate. In Mason City, hourly pay can vary greatly depending on the facility type, whether it is with the FAA in en route centers or military air traffic control, influencing job satisfaction and benefits. Depending on personal circumstances, some controllers may trade lower hourly rates for the stability of health insurance, while others might seek positions that offer higher pay without the benefits package. Negotiation remains key in this profession, especially when aiming for roles that align with both financial goals and lifestyle preferences.
More salary data for Mason City, 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 Mason City. 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 Mason City 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