Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Frankfort, KY: $60.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Frankfort, KY runs $60.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,600 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Frankfort's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,960 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Frankfort, Kentucky, will earn a median hourly rate of $60.87, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $73.02. This pay structure presents both opportunities and challenges for controllers, especially those considering part-time or per-diem roles. For workers on a 3-day workweek, or approximately 24 hours, this translates to roughly $7,300 a month, offering a decent living but likely necessitating supplemental income from other sources. Entry-level workers might start at an hourly rate of $35.30, while experienced controllers can earn up to $88.71. Many of these professionals operate from en route center radar consoles or airport traffic control towers, performing their duties in various settings that each impact their workload and, consequently, their pay.
About the Frankfort Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.30 | $282.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.83 | $350.63 |
| Median (P50) | $60.87 | $486.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.79 | $614.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.71 | $709.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Frankfort
Based on $60.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.87/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Frankfort, KY can expect to earn approximately $126,599 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,038. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Frankfort.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Frankfort
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,434.60 | $10,550 | $126,599 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,460.76 | $6,330 | $75,960 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $973.84 | $4,220 | $50,640 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Frankfort) | $60.87 |
| 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 Frankfort, KY earn a median of $126,600 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.65% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.00% below the Kentucky state average of $129,184.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.87/hr = $75,960/year (purchasing power: $85,061).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,599/year (purchasing power: $141,769).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Frankfort (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Frankfort grew 20.4% from $49.29/hr (2019) to $59.34/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.43/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 Frankfort 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 Frankfort
In examining the potential for part-time earnings, air traffic controllers in Frankfort can expect an annual take-home that varies considerably from their full-time counterparts. Those working 50-60 hours a week can significantly enhance their earnings through overtime, multiplying base pay and adding substantial financial rewards—some controllers reportedly earn between $50,000 to $100,000 in overtime alone. The per diem air traffic controller pay in Frankfort may also offer flexible compensation options, depending on agency roles and facility transfers, making negotiation key. Controllers will find that hourly rates differ across various employers, including FAA en route centers, TRACONs, military operations, and contract towers. Likewise, the option for health insurance benefits often leads some controllers to choose positions with lower hourly rates over opportunities that pay more but lack benefits. Understanding these dynamics is crucial when evaluating job offers or negotiating pay within the unique context of air traffic control in Kentucky.
More salary data for Frankfort, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Frankfort in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Frankfort?
Are air traffic controllers in Frankfort paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Frankfort?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Frankfort?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kentucky
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 Frankfort. 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 Frankfort 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