Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Manhattan, KS: $64.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Manhattan, KS runs $64.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,567 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Manhattan's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,145 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manhattan, Kansas, the median hourly pay for air traffic controllers is projected to be $64.22 in 2026. This figure is notably below the national average of $73.02 per hour, indicating a regional pay discrepancy. For those working part-time—say three days a week—this translates to a steady income, enabling a work-life balance that appeals to many in the profession. These controllers typically operate from demanding settings such as en route center radar consoles and airport traffic control towers. With an hourly range spanning from $37.24 at the entry-level to $90.82 for top earners, the potential for financial growth is significant. It’s important to keep in mind that these hourly estimates derive from annual salary benchmarks, reflecting the dynamics of the air traffic control market in Manhattan.
About the Manhattan 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) | $37.24 | $297.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.24 | $369.91 |
| Median (P50) | $64.22 | $513.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.31 | $650.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.82 | $726.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manhattan
Based on $64.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.22/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manhattan, KS can expect to earn approximately $133,576 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,063. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Manhattan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manhattan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,568.76 | $11,131 | $133,576 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,541.26 | $6,679 | $80,145 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,027.51 | $4,453 | $53,430 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Manhattan) | $64.22 |
| 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 Manhattan, KS earn a median of $133,567 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.06% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% above the Kansas state average of $132,770.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.22/hr = $80,145/year (purchasing power: $88,169).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,576/year (purchasing power: $146,948).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Manhattan grew 20.4% from $52.00/hr (2019) to $62.61/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.87/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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan
A part-time air traffic controller in Manhattan working a standard 24-hour week could expect to take home about $79,822 annually, demonstrating that even in a reduced schedule, substantial earnings are attainable. For those willing to step into per-diem roles or agency positions, the earning potential can climb considerably, particularly with overtime pay, which often pushes salaries beyond the base hourly rate. In reality, many controllers at busy facilities may find themselves putting in 50 to 60 hours each week amid chronic understaffing, yielding total compensations that can exceed $100,000 when factoring in overtime. Different employer types in the area—like FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and military operations—can offer variations in hourly pay structures. This means controllers should weigh benefits such as health insurance against the allure of higher hourly rates that come with contractor roles, especially given the unique negotiation landscape for professionals navigating the controller tier system in Manhattan, KS.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Manhattan. 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 Manhattan 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