Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Radcliff, KY: $59.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Radcliff, KY runs $59.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,015 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Radcliff's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,411 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected air traffic controller hourly pay in Radcliff, KY, is set at $59.62, noticeably lower than the national average of $73.02. This hourly rate reflects the local job market dynamics and cost of living, which has a cost of living index of 89.3, indicating a lower standard than the national average. For part-time air traffic controllers working three days a week, this rate can yield significant earnings, especially compared to positions that rely heavily on full-time schedules. The broad hourly range within the profession spans from $34.58 for entry-level positions to an impressive $81.74 for top earners in the field. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, underscore the potential for flexible work arrangements, including per diem air traffic controller pay options that might appeal to those working in various settings, such as TRACON facilities and control towers.
About the Radcliff 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) | $34.58 | $276.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.93 | $343.40 |
| Median (P50) | $59.62 | $476.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.91 | $599.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.74 | $653.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Radcliff
Based on $59.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.62/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Radcliff, KY can expect to earn approximately $124,018 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,549. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Radcliff.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Radcliff
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,384.96 | $10,335 | $124,018 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,430.97 | $6,201 | $74,411 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $953.98 | $4,134 | $49,607 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Radcliff) | $59.62 |
| 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 Radcliff, KY earn a median of $124,015 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.35% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.00% below the Kentucky state average of $129,183.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.62/hr = $74,411/year (purchasing power: $83,327).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,018/year (purchasing power: $138,878).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Radcliff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Radcliff grew 20.4% from $48.28/hr (2019) to $58.13/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.16/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 Radcliff 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 Radcliff
For part-time controllers, a 24-hour workweek allows for an annual income that can be quite lucrative, although it remains substantially less than what a full-time commitment can yield. Many air traffic controllers in Radcliff may face the option of per diem roles, which offer opportunities to negotiate higher pay rates during training at different facilities or when covering shifts in understaffed areas. Overtime pay, often reaching 1.5 times the base rate, can further inflate income, placing many controllers who work excess hours on track for substantial annual compensation. Disparities in hourly rates are commonly seen across various employers, which include FAA facilities, military operations, and even contracted towers—each offering distinct benefits and compensation structures. Controllers may sacrifice higher hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health insurance benefits, often influencing their total earnings. Practical negotiation strategies in Radcliff might focus on the value of stability vs. potential overtime earnings, reflecting the local economic environment and individual career goals.
More salary data for Radcliff, KY:
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 Radcliff. 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 Radcliff 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