Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Lafayette, LA: $64.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Lafayette, LA runs $64.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,182 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,915 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lafayette, Louisiana, air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $64.03 in 2026. This places them below the national hourly median of $73.02, highlighting the local economic dynamics unique to the area. For those considering part-time work, an air traffic controller working three days a week might expect to earn a significant income while enjoying a better work-life balance. Controllers typically operate in environments such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers, where the intensity of the role can vary. The hourly compensation ranges significantly, from $37.14 for entry-level positions to as high as $92.44 for the most experienced professionals, indicating a robust earning potential that scales with experience and responsibility in this nuanced field.
About the Lafayette 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) | $37.14 | $297.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.20 | $369.58 |
| Median (P50) | $64.03 | $512.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.93 | $655.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.44 | $739.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $64.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.03/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, LA can expect to earn approximately $133,192 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,841. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,561.38 | $11,099 | $133,192 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,536.83 | $6,660 | $79,915 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,024.55 | $4,440 | $53,277 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Lafayette) | $64.03 |
| 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 Lafayette, LA earn a median of $133,182 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.31% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.60% above the Louisiana state average of $129,807.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.03/hr = $79,915/year (purchasing power: $88,499).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,192/year (purchasing power: $147,499).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Lafayette grew 20.4% from $51.85/hr (2019) to $62.43/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.68/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
Examining the realities of per diem work and part-time scheduling in Lafayette, air traffic controllers may find themselves earning quite differently based on their job type. For a controller working 24 hours per week at the stated hourly rate, their annual earnings would still be considerable compared to full-time controllers. Many engage in overtime, often earning 1.5 times their base pay, which can substantially bolster overall income, especially since many controllers work 50-60 hours per week. Moreover, those in high-demand facilities may find that their per diem arrangements during training can be negotiable and lucrative. Salary variations also exist across different employment types; FAA en route centers, FAA TRACONs, and military ATC jobs all offer tailored compensation packages with distinct benefits. While some may accept lower hourly rates for robust health insurance options, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. When negotiating compensation as an hourly worker in Lafayette, it’s essential to assess not just the hourly rate but also the balance of benefits, overtime opportunities, and job stability, particularly in light of ongoing staffing challenges within the FAA system.
More salary data for Lafayette, 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 Lafayette. 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 Lafayette 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