Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in East Lansing, MI: $65.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in East Lansing, MI runs $65.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,152 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against East Lansing's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,694 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Lansing, Michigan, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $65.46, significantly lower than the national median of $73.02. This rate may influence the earning potential of both part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers who typically work in environments like en route centers or airport traffic control towers. For those working part-time at three days a week, the flexible hours can lead to a sustainable work-life balance while reaping the hourly benefits. Entry-level controllers earn around $37.96 an hour, whereas seasoned professionals can reach an hourly rate of up to $95.39, providing room for growth in this career path. These numbers are derived from annual salary data, which informs potential applicants of the financial outlook for air traffic controller roles in Michigan.
About the East Lansing 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) | $37.96 | $303.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.92 | $383.37 |
| Median (P50) | $65.46 | $523.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.17 | $649.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.39 | $763.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Lansing
Based on $65.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.46/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Lansing, MI can expect to earn approximately $136,157 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,552. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in East Lansing.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Lansing
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,618.41 | $11,346 | $136,157 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,571.04 | $6,808 | $81,694 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,047.36 | $4,539 | $54,463 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (East Lansing) | $65.46 |
| 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 East Lansing, MI earn a median of $136,152 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.36% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.80% below the Michigan state average of $141,531.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.46/hr = $81,694/year (purchasing power: $87,655).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,157/year (purchasing power: $146,091).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in East Lansing (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in East Lansing grew 20.4% from $53.01/hr (2019) to $63.82/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.14/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 East Lansing 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 East Lansing
The part-time earnings of an air traffic controller working three days a week over a 24-hour schedule would yield approximately $87,398 annually, highlighting a structured path to a decent income compared to full-time earnings. Overtime opportunities significantly enhance the per diem air traffic controller pay in East Lansing. Many controllers at understaffed centers work extensive hours, sometimes totaling 50-60 weekly, leading to effective compensation that can substantially exceed base rates due to overtime being paid at 1.5 times the standard hourly wage. Various types of employers, such as FAA en route centers and contract towers, also influence pay rates, with positions often balancing the choice between higher pay and benefits like health insurance. Controllers in East Lansing should consider these factors in negotiations while leveraging their skills in a competitive job market shaped by ongoing staffing challenges.
More salary data for East Lansing, 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 East Lansing. 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 East Lansing 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