Air Traffic Controller Salary

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.

$125,118
Median Annual Salary
$60.16/hr
Hourly Rate
$72,594
Entry Level (P10)
$178,216
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air Traffic Controller Hourly Rate in Monroe, LA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Monroe, LA air traffic controller hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a air traffic controller in Monroe earning $60.16/hr would make approximately $72,189 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $125,127 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$72,189Reduced (32 hr/wk)$96,252Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$125,127

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.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$481.26
per 8hr shift
$2,406.29
per week
$10,427
per month
$125,127
per year

Schedule Comparison in Monroe

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing air traffic controller median salary in Monroe ($125,118) with Louisiana average ($129,790) and the US national median ($151,886).Monroe$125,118Louisiana Avg$129,790-3.60%US National$151,886-17.62%

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for air traffic controllers in Monroe. Baseline $48.71/hr in 2025, projected to $61.70/hr by 2027.$46$51$55$60$642019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$48.71$51.66$51.39$52.38$54.41$53.59$58.65$60.16$61.70
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$48.71/hrActual
2020$51.66/hrActual
2021$51.39/hrActual
2022$52.38/hrActual
2023$54.41/hrActual
2024$53.59/hrActual
2025$58.65/hrActual
2026(current)$60.16/hrEstimated
2027$61.70/hrProjected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Monroe metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Monroe in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Monroe is $60.16/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). Rates range from $34.90 at entry level (10th percentile) to $85.68 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 17.6% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Monroe?

A part-time air traffic controller working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Monroe earns approximately $6,256/month, or $75,076/year at the median hourly rate of $60.16. Many air traffic controllers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are air traffic controllers in Monroe paid hourly or salary?

The majority of air traffic controllers in Monroe are paid hourly at a median rate of $60.16/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $125,127/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Monroe?

A full-time air traffic controller working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Monroe earns approximately $125,127/year at the median hourly rate of $60.16. This is 17.6% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $178,208/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Monroe?

Part-time and per diem air traffic controllers in Monroe sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $85.68/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Louisiana

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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