Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Battle Creek, MI: $68.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Battle Creek, MI runs $68.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,287 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Battle Creek's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,970 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected hourly pay of $68.89 for air traffic controllers in Battle Creek, MI, the compensation is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This figure indicates a strong earning potential for professionals working in various environments such as en route center radar consoles and airport traffic control towers. For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week, or exploring per-diem opportunities, the flexibility of the hourly rate can provide an appealing work-life balance. Newer controllers may start at around $39.95 per hour, while experienced controllers can earn as much as $98.17 per hour, reflecting the extensive training and responsibility that the role entails. The figures are derived from annual salary data, clearly hinting that the air traffic controller hourly pay in Battle Creek offers both growth and competitive wages in the field.
About the Battle Creek 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) | $39.95 | $319.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.60 | $396.82 |
| Median (P50) | $68.89 | $551.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.89 | $703.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.17 | $785.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Battle Creek
Based on $68.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.89/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Battle Creek, MI can expect to earn approximately $143,283 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,663. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Battle Creek.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Battle Creek
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,755.44 | $11,940 | $143,283 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,653.26 | $7,164 | $85,970 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,102.18 | $4,776 | $57,313 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Battle Creek) | $68.89 |
| 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 Battle Creek, MI earn a median of $143,287 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.66% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% above the Michigan state average of $141,588.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.89/hr = $85,970/year (purchasing power: $92,242).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,283/year (purchasing power: $153,737).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Battle Creek (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Battle Creek grew 20.4% from $55.78/hr (2019) to $67.16/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.66/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 Battle Creek 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 Battle Creek
Focusing on the earnings potential from part-time work can be enlightening. An air traffic controller who works just 24 hours a week would see a different financial picture compared to a full-time position. While full-time controllers might find themselves working significant hours—often 50 to 60 per week due to understaffing and overtime opportunities—the effective hourly compensation can rise well above the base rate, with overtime earnings potentially adding $50,000 to $100,000 annually. The landscape of employment varies greatly between different employers in Battle Creek, including FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and airport traffic control towers, influencing both the base and effective pay. Furthermore, controllers might have to choose between higher hourly rates at non-benefit positions versus lower rates that come with comprehensive healthcare options. This balancing act defines the per diem air traffic controller pay in Battle Creek, especially as facilities face chronic staffing issues post-2013 sequester. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effectively negotiating terms in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Battle Creek, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Battle Creek. 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 Battle Creek 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