Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Houma, LA: $60.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Houma, LA runs $60.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,542 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Houma's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,320 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Houma, Louisiana, earn a median hourly rate of $60.35, which falls notably below the national median of $73.02 per hour. This disparity can impact individuals considering part-time or per-diem positions, typically working around three days a week in various settings such as FAA en route centers and TRACON facilities. The hourly pay range in Houma extends from $35.16 at the entry-level to $82.79 for top earners, illustrating the potential for growth within the field. These figures are derived from estimated annual salary data and reflect the typical earnings found within air traffic control positions in the area.
About the Houma Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.16 | $281.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.62 | $356.94 |
| Median (P50) | $60.35 | $482.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.28 | $602.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.79 | $662.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Houma
Based on $60.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.35/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Houma, LA can expect to earn approximately $125,533 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,423. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Houma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Houma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,414.09 | $10,461 | $125,533 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,448.45 | $6,277 | $75,320 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $965.64 | $4,184 | $50,213 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Houma) | $60.35 |
| 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 Houma, LA earn a median of $125,542 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.34% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.20% below the Louisiana state average of $129,692.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.35/hr = $75,320/year (purchasing power: $83,410).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,533/year (purchasing power: $139,017).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Houma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Houma grew 20.4% from $48.87/hr (2019) to $58.84/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.90/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 Houma 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 Houma
When considering the potential for part-time work, a controller working a part-time schedule of 24 hours each week can expect to bring home approximately $75,121 annually, which often varies widely when factoring in overtime and additional hours for full-time employees. Controllers frequently benefit from substantial overtime, with many working 50-60 hours a week, resulting in total compensation that can exceed $100,000 due to increased rates during overtime shifts. In Houma, the hourly rates across employer types can differ significantly, with FAA facilities often providing more competitive rates compared to FAA contract towers. It’s also crucial to weigh the benefits offered by various employers; some controllers might choose lower hourly rates for better health insurance coverage, while others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiation skills can play a vital role in securing a favorable pay arrangement, especially in a competitive job market driven by chronic understaffing in the field.
More salary data for Houma, LA:
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 Houma. 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 Houma 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