Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Ann Arbor, MI: $69.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Ann Arbor, MI runs $69.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,027 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Ann Arbor's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $74.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,019 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, earn a median hourly rate of $69.73, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02 for this profession. For those working part-time or per diem, this pay translates to significant earnings in varied settings—whether in the dim control rooms of en route centers, adjacent TRACON facilities, or airport control towers. The range of hourly pay starts at $40.44 for entry-level positions and extends to $100.39 for the most experienced controllers, indicating considerable potential for growth as one advances in this field. The estimates for these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data and reflect the competitive nature of air traffic management in a city known for its educational institutions and vibrant community.
About the Ann Arbor Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.44 | $323.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.20 | $401.58 |
| Median (P50) | $69.73 | $557.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.05 | $712.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.39 | $803.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ann Arbor
Based on $69.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.73/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ann Arbor, MI can expect to earn approximately $145,032 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,673. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ann Arbor.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ann Arbor
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,789.08 | $12,086 | $145,032 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,673.45 | $7,252 | $87,019 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,115.63 | $4,834 | $58,013 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Ann Arbor) | $69.73 |
| 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 Ann Arbor, MI earn a median of $145,027 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.52% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.50% above the Michigan state average of $141,490.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.73/hr = $87,019/year (purchasing power: $93,368).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,032/year (purchasing power: $155,614).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Ann Arbor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Ann Arbor grew 20.4% from $56.46/hr (2019) to $67.98/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.52/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 Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor
For those considering part-time roles, working as an air traffic controller three days a week could yield substantial annual earnings compared to full-time positions. Controllers often report a significant amount of overtime, which can elevate effective pay. Many find themselves working upwards of 50 to 60 hours per week, leading to additional compensation in the form of overtime pay that can substantially boost their overall income, adding anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. The various employment types in Ann Arbor, including FAA en route centers, airport traffic control towers, and military air traffic control, create differing environments and pay scales. Compensation can also vary significantly between FAA positions, with some opting for contract towers that might offer higher hourly pay without benefits. When negotiating, it can be beneficial for controllers to evaluate their worth based on both the effective hourly rate and the benefits packages offered by different employers. Having a clear understanding of the trade-offs between higher hourly rates and comprehensive insurance can inform better decisions concerning job offers in this competitive field.
More salary data for Ann Arbor, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Ann Arbor in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Ann Arbor?
Are air traffic controllers in Ann Arbor paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Ann Arbor?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Ann Arbor?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 Ann Arbor. 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 Ann Arbor 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