Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Macomb Township, MI: $67.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Macomb Township, MI runs $67.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,877 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Macomb Township's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,523 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Macomb Township, Michigan, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $67.73, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This hourly pay reflects the critical responsibilities handled at various facilities, such as en route centers and airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this hourly figure translates into an annualized income that could significantly supplement other earnings or serve as a steady income on its own. Entry-level positions in this profession may start at approximately $39.28 per hour, with the top earners reaching up to $100.96. This range illustrates the profession’s potential for growth and the varied responsibilities across different control environments, from radar facilities to simulator training locations.
About the Macomb Township 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) | $39.28 | $314.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.76 | $390.09 |
| Median (P50) | $67.73 | $541.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.50 | $691.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.96 | $807.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Macomb Township
Based on $67.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.73/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Macomb Township, MI can expect to earn approximately $140,872 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,272. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Macomb Township.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Macomb Township
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,709.08 | $11,739 | $140,872 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,625.45 | $7,044 | $84,523 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,083.63 | $4,696 | $56,349 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Macomb Township) | $67.73 |
| 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 Macomb Township, MI earn a median of $140,877 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.25% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.50% below the Michigan state average of $141,585.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.73/hr = $84,523/year (purchasing power: $90,690).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,872/year (purchasing power: $151,150).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Macomb Township (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Macomb Township grew 20.4% from $54.84/hr (2019) to $66.03/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.47/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 Macomb Township 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 Macomb Township
For those considering part-time positions, working 24 hours a week as an air traffic controller may generate a substantial annual income compared to full-time roles, depending on hours worked. The reality for many controllers also includes per-diem opportunities, which can be quite lucrative. Overtime, often at 1.5 times the base rate, can push overall compensation well above the stated hourly wage, with controllers frequently clocking in 50-60 hours a week in understaffed facilities, leading to annual earnings that can exceed $100,000 when overtime is factored in. The type of employer plays a substantial role in hourly rates as well; FAA en route centers, TRACONs, terminal control towers, military control facilities, and FAA contract towers each offer different pay structures. Additionally, bargaining around health benefits can influence the perceived value of hourly pay—controllers may accept a lower rate for comprehensive insurance packages. Considering these factors, it’s essential for controllers in Macomb Township to leverage negotiations and weigh per diem air traffic controller pay against other employment conditions when assessing offers.
More salary data for Macomb Township, 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 Macomb Township. 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 Macomb Township 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