Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Monroe, LA: $60.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Monroe, LA runs $60.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,118 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Monroe's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,076 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air traffic controllers in Monroe, Louisiana, earn a median hourly pay of $60.16, which is considerably lower than the national median of $73.02. This rate reflects not just the complexity of the role but also the cost of living and job dynamics within the region. In Monroe, air traffic controllers can work in various environments, including en route centers, terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities, and airport control towers. The hourly pay ranges from $34.90 for entry-level positions to $85.68 for the most experienced controllers. Such fluctuations in pay highlight the differences among various facilities; for instance, controllers in high-trafficked en route centers typically sustain higher earnings than those in smaller airport control towers. These estimated hourly rates are derived from annual salary data and provide a framework for understanding potential earnings in Monroe's air traffic sector.
About the Monroe 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) | $34.90 | $279.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.22 | $353.74 |
| Median (P50) | $60.16 | $481.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.00 | $615.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.68 | $685.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Monroe
Based on $60.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.16/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Monroe, LA can expect to earn approximately $125,127 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,189. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Monroe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Monroe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,406.29 | $10,427 | $125,127 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,443.78 | $6,256 | $75,076 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $962.52 | $4,171 | $50,051 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Monroe) | $60.16 |
| 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 Monroe, LA earn a median of $125,118 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.62% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.60% below the Louisiana state average of $129,790.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.16/hr = $75,076/year (purchasing power: $83,141).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,127/year (purchasing power: $138,568).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Monroe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Monroe grew 20.4% from $48.71/hr (2019) to $58.65/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.70/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 Monroe 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 Monroe
Considering a part-time role, an air traffic controller in Monroe working three days a week could earn significantly less on an annual basis than their full-time counterparts. While full-time employees might enjoy a stable income with consistent schedules, a part-time controller working 24 hours weekly could see their earnings dwindle beneath full-time wages and limit benefits such as health insurance coverage. Given the chronic understaffing in many facilities, per-diem opportunities can also be attractive. Many controllers find themselves working overtime—often exceeding 50 hours a week—resulting in effective hourly compensation that can greatly exceed their base rates, particularly if they are willing to accept challenging shifts. Employers range from FAA facilities to civilian contract towers, resulting in varying compensation structures and benefits across the sector. When negotiating their pay, controllers should consider how factors like health benefits affect their overall compensation, as some may prioritize higher salary rates without benefits while others prefer stability in their income. Typically, playing the field across different employment types in Monroe could lead to more favorable pay arrangements, particularly if one is flexible about scheduling and location.
More salary data for Monroe, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Monroe in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Monroe?
Are air traffic controllers in Monroe paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Monroe?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Monroe?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Louisiana
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 Monroe. 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 Monroe 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