Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Flint, MI: $66.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Flint, MI runs $66.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,805 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Flint's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,680 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Flint, Michigan, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $66.25, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $73.02. This pay presents a viable opportunity for part-time controllers who may work three days a week, commanding a strong rate while allowing for flexible scheduling. Per-diem work options at FAA facilities, including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers, can offer varying pay rates. Entry-level controllers might start at around $38.42 per hour, while experienced professionals can reach up to $98.23 per hour. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, reflect the diverse environments in which air traffic controllers operate—situations that often demand their full attention in controlled, high-pressure settings.
About the Flint 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) | $38.42 | $307.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.71 | $381.64 |
| Median (P50) | $66.25 | $530.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.80 | $678.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.23 | $785.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Flint
Based on $66.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.25/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Flint, MI can expect to earn approximately $137,800 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,500. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Flint.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Flint
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,650.00 | $11,483 | $137,800 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,590.00 | $6,890 | $82,680 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,060.00 | $4,593 | $55,120 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Flint) | $66.25 |
| 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 Flint, MI earn a median of $137,805 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.27% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.70% below the Michigan state average of $141,629.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.25/hr = $82,680/year (purchasing power: $88,712).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,800/year (purchasing power: $147,854).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Flint (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Flint grew 20.4% from $53.65/hr (2019) to $64.59/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.95/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 Flint 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 Flint
For those considering part-time roles, working just three days a week, or 24 hours total, would yield significantly less than a full-time equivalent, which could limit overall economic stability. Meanwhile, the reality of per-diem air traffic controller pay in Flint allows some professionals to earn exorbitantly through overtime and additional shifts. Controllers often work 50-60 hours per week, with many accruing $50k-$100k or more in overtime due to staffing shortages, a chronic issue since the post-2013 budget cuts. This is particularly evident in various employment sectors, such as FAA en route centers and contract towers, which can influence prevailing wages across different facility types. Additionally, while some air traffic controllers may opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay, foregoing benefits. Effective negotiation strategies focusing on hourly rates and benefits are crucial, especially in Flint’s competitive job market for air traffic controllers.
More salary data for Flint, 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 Flint. 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 Flint 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