Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Thibodaux, LA: $57.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Thibodaux, LA runs $57.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,405 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Thibodaux's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $63.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,646 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thibodaux, Louisiana, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to average $57.41 in 2026, which sits below the national median of $73.02. This discrepancy highlights what local controllers might face when considering part-time or per-diem work, typically managing busy air traffic at en route centers or TRACON facilities. Those working part-time, say three days a week, could still earn a competitive wage throughout their shifts at various facilities, which include airport control towers and traffic management cells. The expected hourly earnings span a range from $33.29 for entry-level positions to $77.75 for the most experienced professionals, showcasing both the earning potential and career trajectory available within the region.
About the Thibodaux 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) | $33.29 | $266.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.80 | $334.38 |
| Median (P50) | $57.41 | $459.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.37 | $570.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.75 | $621.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thibodaux
Based on $57.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.41/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thibodaux, LA can expect to earn approximately $119,410 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,890. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Thibodaux.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thibodaux
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,296.34 | $9,951 | $119,410 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,377.80 | $5,970 | $71,646 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $918.53 | $3,980 | $47,764 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Thibodaux) | $57.41 |
| 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 Thibodaux, LA earn a median of $119,405 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.39% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 8.00% below the Louisiana state average of $129,788.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.41/hr = $71,646/year (purchasing power: $79,342).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,410/year (purchasing power: $132,236).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Thibodaux (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Thibodaux grew 20.4% from $46.49/hr (2019) to $55.97/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.88/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 Thibodaux 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 Thibodaux
Focusing on part-time earning potential, an air traffic controller working 24 hours a week at an hourly pay of $57.41 can expect to bring home around $44,291 annually—a solid income, especially in Thibodaux's lower cost of living environment. For those considering a per diem arrangement, it's essential to note that compensation can amplify significantly through overtime, with many controllers routinely clocking 50-60 hours each week to meet staffing demands. This scenario allows some to earn upwards of $50,000 to $100,000 annually just from overtime alone. Controllers may be employed by a variety of organizations including the FAA and private contractors, with pay differing by employment type—FAA positions might offer lower hourly rates but include comprehensive benefits, while contractors could pay more without those perks. Negotiating the right terms is crucial, whether looking for a consistent income model or maximizing earnings.
More salary data for Thibodaux, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Thibodaux in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Thibodaux?
Are air traffic controllers in Thibodaux paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Thibodaux?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Thibodaux?
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 Thibodaux. 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 Thibodaux 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