Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Leawood, KS: $61.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Leawood, KS runs $61.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,818 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Leawood's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,689 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Leawood, Kansas, offers an air traffic controller hourly rate of $61.45, falling short of the national median of $73.02. This difference can greatly impact those who opt for part-time employment, typically committing to around three days a week, which provides them with a consistent income while allowing for flexibility. In settings like en route centers, TRACONs, or busy control towers, controllers can expect an hourly pay ranging from $35.64 at entry-level positions to as much as $87.43 for top earners within the field. The variability in compensation reflects the nuanced nature of this profession and the reliance on annual salary data to derive hourly figures. For those seeking opportunities in Leawood, the hourly rate is a critical factor to consider, particularly in the context of a cost of living index of 90.9, which is below the national average.
About the Leawood 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) | $35.64 | $285.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.25 | $353.99 |
| Median (P50) | $61.45 | $491.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.55 | $628.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.43 | $699.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Leawood
Based on $61.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.45/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Leawood, KS can expect to earn approximately $127,815 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,740. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Leawood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Leawood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,457.99 | $10,651 | $127,815 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,474.79 | $6,391 | $76,689 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $983.19 | $4,261 | $51,126 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Leawood) | $61.45 |
| 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 Leawood, KS earn a median of $127,818 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.85% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.80% below the Kansas state average of $132,867.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.45/hr = $76,689/year (purchasing power: $84,367).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,815/year (purchasing power: $140,611).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Leawood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Leawood grew 20.4% from $49.76/hr (2019) to $59.91/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.03/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 Leawood 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 Leawood
Controllers who choose to work part-time can expect to take home a substantial income, but still considerably less than their full-time counterparts. For example, if they work 24 hours a week at the hourly rate, their annual earnings will be significantly impacted compared to full-time positions. On the other hand, per-diem air traffic controller pay in Leawood is a flexible alternative that comes with its own advantages and drawbacks. Many Controllers at facilities facing chronic staffing shortages frequently work overtime, which can elevate their effective hourly compensation dramatically, sometimes reaching above $200,000 annually when factoring in overtime pay. Positions across different employers, such as FAA ARTCCs, TRACONs, and FAA contract towers, dictate salary variations based on facility size and traffic demands. The distinction between hourly rates for federal employees versus those in smaller contract facilities often involves trade-offs between pay and benefits like health insurance. Those negotiating their hourly rates should remember that while a higher pay rate can be appealing, it may come with fewer benefits. Understanding these dynamics is crucial when considering career options in Leawood, KS.
More salary data for Leawood, KS:
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 Leawood. 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 Leawood 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