Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Shawnee, KS: $62.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Shawnee, KS runs $62.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,485 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Shawnee's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,688 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Shawnee, Kansas, earn a median hourly rate of $62.25, which falls below the national median of $73.02. This rate can be particularly relevant for those seeking part-time roles, such as working three days a week, where it allows for a well-balanced lifestyle while still supporting professional commitments in demanding settings like en route centers or airport towers. With hourly rates ranging from $36.10 for entry-level positions to $90.24 for those at the top of the pay scale, the earning potential varies significantly. This flexibility also caters to per diem air traffic controller pay arrangements, where specialized roles in busy facilities require adept management of air traffic across various levels of air control processes.
About the Shawnee 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) | $36.10 | $288.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.82 | $358.58 |
| Median (P50) | $62.25 | $498.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.69 | $637.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.24 | $721.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shawnee
Based on $62.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.25/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shawnee, KS can expect to earn approximately $129,479 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,700. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Shawnee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shawnee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,489.99 | $10,790 | $129,479 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,493.99 | $6,474 | $77,688 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $996.00 | $4,316 | $51,792 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Shawnee) | $62.25 |
| 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 Shawnee, KS earn a median of $129,485 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.75% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.50% below the Kansas state average of $132,806.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.25/hr = $77,688/year (purchasing power: $85,465).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,479/year (purchasing power: $142,442).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Shawnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Shawnee grew 20.4% from $50.41/hr (2019) to $60.69/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.85/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 Shawnee 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 Shawnee
For full-time professionals, the potential earnings illustrate a disparity between part-time work and regular hours. A controller working three 8-hour shifts a week at the hourly rate accrues significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts who, facing chronic understaffing, often log 50-60 hours a week, raking in substantial overtime pay that could boost overall income to well above base figures. Each facility type in Shawnee influences compensation, with en route centers, terminal TRACON, and military operations presenting different financial landscapes and benefits. Negotiating hourly rates can be strategic; some may opt for lower pay in exchange for health benefits while others might prefer higher rates with less job security. Understanding these nuances in the air traffic controller hourly pay in Shawnee enhances job satisfaction and financial planning for those navigating their careers.
More salary data for Shawnee, 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 Shawnee. 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 Shawnee 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