Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Jackson, MI: $67.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Jackson, MI runs $67.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,602 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Jackson's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,755 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jackson, Michigan, air traffic controllers command a median hourly pay of $67.11, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $73.02. This difference may affect those considering part-time opportunities or per-diem work; controllers working three days a week can earn substantial income without committing to full-time hours. Their work is typically conducted in various environments, including en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. For those entering the field, hourly pay ranges from $38.93 for entry-level positions to $92.19 for experienced controllers at the top of the earnings spectrum. The figures provided are projections for 2026, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, offering an overview of what to expect for air traffic controller hourly pay in Jackson, MI.
About the Jackson 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) | $38.93 | $311.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.32 | $386.57 |
| Median (P50) | $67.11 | $536.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.78 | $670.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.19 | $737.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jackson
Based on $67.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.11/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jackson, MI can expect to earn approximately $139,592 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,534. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jackson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jackson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,684.46 | $11,633 | $139,592 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,610.68 | $6,980 | $83,755 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,073.78 | $4,653 | $55,837 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Jackson) | $67.11 |
| 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 Jackson, MI earn a median of $139,602 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.09% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% below the Michigan state average of $141,584.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.11/hr = $83,755/year (purchasing power: $89,866).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,592/year (purchasing power: $149,777).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Jackson grew 20.4% from $54.34/hr (2019) to $65.43/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.84/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 Jackson 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 Jackson
Several factors influence the earning potential of air traffic controllers in Jackson. For those opting for part-time roles, working 24 hours per week can translate to a significant annual take-home compared to full-time counterparts, who may work upwards of 40 hours weekly. Many controllers find themselves taking on overtime, often working 50-60 hours a week, which can drastically elevate their compensation, sometimes adding $50,000 to $100,000 in annual earnings. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Jackson can vary as well, especially during temporary assignments or training at different facilities. Hourly earnings can differ across employer types, such as FAA en route centers, terminal radar facilities, and contracted positions at smaller airports. Some may choose lower hourly rates with the benefit of health insurance over higher compensation without benefits, making negotiation skills critical for workers in this field. Understanding these dynamics is essential for both new and experienced controllers as they navigate their careers and focus on maximizing their compensation in Jackson.
More salary data for Jackson, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Jackson in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Jackson?
Are air traffic controllers in Jackson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Jackson?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Jackson?
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 Jackson. 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 Jackson 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