Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Emporia, KS: $58.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Emporia, KS runs $58.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,626 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Emporia's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,579 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Emporia, Kansas, air traffic controllers can expect a median hourly pay of $58.96, which is notably lower than the national average of $73.02 per hour. This discrepancy indicates the distinct financial landscape for professionals in this field within the region. For controllers opting for part-time positions, working roughly three days a week could yield around $46,805 annually, a notable figure while balancing work-life commitments. Entry-level positions see hourly rates beginning at approximately $34.20, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $82.07, illustrating the significant pay potential as controllers progress in their careers. Air traffic controller roles often take place in various settings, such as en route centers, radar facilities, and traffic control towers, where these professionals work within environments designed for high-focus operations.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.20 | $273.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.15 | $345.21 |
| Median (P50) | $58.96 | $471.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.85 | $598.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.07 | $656.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Emporia
Based on $58.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.96/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Emporia, KS can expect to earn approximately $122,631 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,749. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Emporia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Emporia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,358.29 | $10,219 | $122,631 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,414.97 | $6,132 | $73,579 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $943.32 | $4,088 | $49,052 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Emporia) | $58.96 |
| 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 Emporia, KS earn a median of $122,626 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.26% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.70% below the Kansas state average of $132,855.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.96/hr = $73,579/year (purchasing power: $80,945).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,631/year (purchasing power: $134,908).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Emporia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Emporia grew 20.4% from $47.74/hr (2019) to $57.48/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.47/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 Emporia 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 Emporia
Part-time controllers earning $58.96 per hour contribute significantly to their annual income by working 24 hours per week; however, the potential for overtime shifts the economic balance considerably. Many air traffic controllers find themselves in positions that require extensive overtime—working 50-60 hours a week is not uncommon, resulting in an effective hourly compensation that can exceed the base rate significantly. This reality is pronounced in various employment setups, including the FAA’s en route centers, TRACON facilities, and contracted towers that serve smaller airports. While those working in FAA facilities typically enjoy federal benefits, some air traffic controllers in Emporia may choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance. For those negotiating their salary, emphasizing the importance of benefits might be as critical as the hourly rate itself, allowing them to navigate the complexities of compensation packages effectively while maintaining their career trajectory in this critical field.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Emporia in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Emporia?
Are air traffic controllers in Emporia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Emporia?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Emporia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 Emporia. 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 Emporia 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