Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Midland, MI: $65.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Midland, MI runs $65.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,329 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Midland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,195 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected hourly pay of $65.06 in 2026, air traffic controllers in Midland, Michigan, earn less than the national average of $73.02 per hour. This rate offers practical earning opportunities for both full-time and part-time workers, with a part-time schedule of three days a week translating to a substantial weekly income while allowing for flexibility. Controllers working part-time can thrive in various environments, such as en route centers, terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities, or control towers, all of which have their own operational demands and dynamics. The hourly compensation ranges from $37.74 for entry-level positions to $91.76 for top earners, showing significant potential for growth in this field. Understanding this comprehensive hourly framework can help prospective controllers gauge their expectations and career trajectories.
About the Midland 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) | $37.74 | $301.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.15 | $377.21 |
| Median (P50) | $65.06 | $520.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.28 | $666.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.76 | $734.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Midland
Based on $65.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.06/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Midland, MI can expect to earn approximately $135,325 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,072. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Midland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Midland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,602.41 | $11,277 | $135,325 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,561.44 | $6,766 | $81,195 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,040.96 | $4,511 | $54,130 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Midland) | $65.06 |
| 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 Midland, MI earn a median of $135,329 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.90% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.40% below the Michigan state average of $141,557.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.06/hr = $81,195/year (purchasing power: $87,119).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,325/year (purchasing power: $145,199).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Midland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Midland grew 20.4% from $52.68/hr (2019) to $63.43/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.73/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 Midland 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 Midland
In Midland, part-time air traffic controllers working a 24-hour week can expect to take home a considerable sum annually, yet it pales in comparison to full-time earnings, especially considering overtime opportunities. Controllers often engage in overtime hours due to chronic staffing shortages, effectively boosting their hourly compensation. This means those working 50-60 hours a week may see their total compensation soar due to overtime rates reaching 1.5 times the base pay. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Midland can also vary, with potential for negotiation, especially during training transfers. Employment at different facility types influences compensation significantly as FAA en route centers and TRACONs may offer differing rates compared to smaller contract towers. Controllers must weigh the trade-offs of hourly pay against health benefits that some employers provide, influencing many to consider the overall value of their compensation package. Engaging in negotiation tactics specific to the Midland area can further enhance earnings, making it essential for air traffic controllers to stay informed about prevailing labor conditions and employer expectations.
More salary data for Midland, 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 Midland. 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 Midland 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