Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Topeka, KS: $64.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Topeka, KS runs $64.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,108 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Topeka's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,465 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The air traffic controller hourly pay in Topeka, KS, is projected to be $64.48 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $73.02. This differential suggests that controllers in Topeka may seek alternative arrangements to enhance their earnings. For those considering part-time work, such as three days a week, the hourly rate translates to approximately $1,550 weekly for a standard 24-hour schedule—potentially appealing for those valuing work-life balance. In contrast, per-diem opportunities, available across various facilities like en route centers, TRACONs, and airport towers, offer flexibility and the potential for higher earnings. Entry-level air traffic controllers might begin at approximately $37.40 per hour, while top earners could reach up to $97.46, exemplifying a wide range of financial possibilities within this career in Topeka.
About the Topeka 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) | $37.40 | $299.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.65 | $373.19 |
| Median (P50) | $64.48 | $515.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.53 | $660.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.46 | $779.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Topeka
Based on $64.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.48/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Topeka, KS can expect to earn approximately $134,109 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,371. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Topeka.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Topeka
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,579.02 | $11,176 | $134,109 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,547.41 | $6,705 | $80,465 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,031.61 | $4,470 | $53,644 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Topeka) | $64.48 |
| 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 Topeka, KS earn a median of $134,108 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.70% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.00% above the Kansas state average of $132,780.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.48/hr = $80,465/year (purchasing power: $88,521).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,109/year (purchasing power: $147,535).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Topeka grew 20.4% from $52.21/hr (2019) to $62.86/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.13/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 Topeka 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 Topeka
The earning dynamics for air traffic controllers extend beyond base pay, particularly for part-time workers and those in per-diem roles. Controllers working three days a week could bring in over $80,000 annually, but full-time controllers often benefit significantly from overtime, which can elevate compensation substantially. Controllers may find themselves working 50-60 hours weekly, often resulting in overtime rates that substantially increase take-home pay—some reported earnings include $50,000 to $100,000 in annual overtime. Different agencies also influence income levels; FAA en route centers and TRACONs often offer more competitive rates compared to smaller FAA contract towers, which might appeal to some who prioritize benefits over higher hourly rates. Negotiation is key, especially given the practical demand for skilled controllers and the chronic understaffing at many facilities. Controllers should consider offers carefully, weighing hourly compensation against the value of health benefits provided by different employers in Topeka.
More salary data for Topeka, 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 Topeka. 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 Topeka 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