Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Shreveport, LA: $62.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Shreveport, LA runs $62.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,592 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Shreveport's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,353 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Shreveport air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $62.78 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This hourly pay reflects the realities of the profession, particularly for part-time or per-diem roles often required in facilities such as en route centers and TRACON radar facilities. For those working three days a week, this could translate to a solid income while balancing other work or personal commitments. The range for hourly pay spans from $36.41 for entry-level positions to $90.28 for top earners in the region, which accommodates various experience levels. Understanding this dynamic can aid prospective controllers in evaluating their options, especially when considering the typical work environment that includes both high-stress and rewarding settings.
About the Shreveport 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) | $36.41 | $291.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.20 | $361.62 |
| Median (P50) | $62.78 | $502.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.27 | $642.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.28 | $722.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shreveport
Based on $62.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.78/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shreveport, LA can expect to earn approximately $130,589 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,340. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Shreveport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shreveport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,511.32 | $10,882 | $130,589 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,506.79 | $6,529 | $78,353 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,004.53 | $4,353 | $52,236 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Shreveport) | $62.78 |
| 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 Shreveport, LA earn a median of $130,592 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.02% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% above the Louisiana state average of $129,813.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.78/hr = $78,353/year (purchasing power: $86,770).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,589/year (purchasing power: $144,617).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Shreveport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Shreveport grew 20.4% from $50.84/hr (2019) to $61.21/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.40/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 Shreveport 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 Shreveport
In practical terms, part-time air traffic controllers in Shreveport could earn significantly different annual amounts when compared to their full-time counterparts. While a three-day work week brings its own set of work-life balance advantages, those who opt for per-diem roles may find themselves negotiating their pay based on specific needs, particularly during transfer training at different facilities. Many controllers encounter the reality of working overtime, often exceeding a 40-hour week, which significantly boosts their overall compensation due to time-and-a-half pay on hours worked beyond regular schedules. This overtime compensation can lead to annual earnings exceeding $50,000 in extra pay, placing many in the $50k-$100k+ range if they regularly work those hours. Depending on the employing agency, Shreveport controllers may also weigh options with respect to benefits. Federal positions under FAA include health insurance and retirement plans, appealing to those prioritizing stability over higher hourly rates in non-benefit positions, such as contract towers. Professional negotiations for incremental raises or better hours can be essential for growth in this region, especially given the ongoing staffing shortages that have increased workload demand.
More salary data for Shreveport, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Shreveport in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Shreveport?
Are air traffic controllers in Shreveport paid hourly or salary?
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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 Shreveport. 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 Shreveport 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