Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Holland, MI: $65.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Holland, MI runs $65.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,273 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Holland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,169 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Holland, Michigan, air traffic controllers receive a median hourly rate of $65.04, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. For those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities, these figures translate into potential monthly earnings that can be significant, even in a reduced schedule working three days a week. Common work environments include en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport towers where controllers manage the complexities of aircraft operations. The hourly wage range in Holland varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $37.73, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $91.67 per hour. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and reflect the competitive landscape for air traffic controller hourly pay in MI.
About the Holland 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) | $37.73 | $301.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.10 | $376.80 |
| Median (P50) | $65.04 | $520.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.60 | $660.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.67 | $733.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Holland
Based on $65.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.04/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Holland, MI can expect to earn approximately $135,282 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,048. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Holland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Holland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,601.59 | $11,274 | $135,282 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,560.95 | $6,764 | $81,169 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,040.63 | $4,509 | $54,113 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Holland) | $65.04 |
| 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 Holland, MI earn a median of $135,273 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.94% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.40% below the Michigan state average of $141,499.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.04/hr = $81,169/year (purchasing power: $87,092).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,282/year (purchasing power: $145,153).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Holland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Holland grew 20.4% from $52.67/hr (2019) to $63.41/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.71/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 Holland 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 Holland
Exploring part-time earnings, an air traffic controller working a 24-hour week could take home around $83,236 annually, which contrasts with the higher earnings of full-time controllers. The profession often entails overtime opportunities, with many controllers working additional hours due to chronic understaffing, resulting in effective hourly compensation that can surpass base rates significantly. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Holland can also be lucrative during facility transfers, allowing negotiations for adjourned rates. Employment at FAA en route centers or military control operations can further impact pay, typically offering more competitive rates but also varying benefits. Controllers must weigh the trade-offs of higher hourly rates against benefits like health insurance when considering their career path within the FAA air traffic control framework. For those negotiating their rates, understanding local facility dynamics in Holland, MI will provide an edge in maximizing compensation.
More salary data for Holland, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Holland in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Holland?
Are air traffic controllers in Holland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Holland?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Holland?
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 Holland. 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 Holland 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