Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Port Huron, MI: $67.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Port Huron, MI runs $67.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,854 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Port Huron's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,909 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Port Huron, Michigan, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $67.23, which falls short of the national hourly median of $73.02. This rate reflects the professional environment in various traffic control settings, from remote en route centers to terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities and airport traffic control towers. For those considering part-time positions, working just three days a week could yield significant income depending on their hours worked, making this an attractive option for qualified individuals. The hourly pay for air traffic controllers in Port Huron ranges from $39.00 at the entry-level (10th percentile) to $92.44 for those at the top of their careers (90th percentile), providing a clear incentive for advancement within the profession. It's noteworthy that these figures are derived from estimated annual salaries, indicating the potential for solid per-diem earnings in various operational roles.
About the Port Huron 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) | $39.00 | $311.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.41 | $387.30 |
| Median (P50) | $67.23 | $537.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.63 | $685.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.44 | $739.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Port Huron
Based on $67.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.23/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Port Huron, MI can expect to earn approximately $139,848 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,682. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Port Huron.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Port Huron
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,689.39 | $11,654 | $139,848 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,613.63 | $6,992 | $83,909 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,075.75 | $4,662 | $55,939 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Port Huron) | $67.23 |
| 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 Port Huron, MI earn a median of $139,854 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.92% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% below the Michigan state average of $141,553.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.23/hr = $83,909/year (purchasing power: $90,031).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,848/year (purchasing power: $150,052).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Port Huron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Port Huron grew 20.4% from $54.44/hr (2019) to $65.55/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.96/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 Port Huron 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 Port Huron
While full-time air traffic controllers in Port Huron may secure steady income, the part-time worker's perspective reveals the lucrative potential of this career. A controller working 24 hours a week might take home a substantial annual income, albeit less than their full-time counterparts. The per diem air traffic controller pay in Port Huron further enriches the possibilities for hourly workers, particularly in scenarios where overtime becomes necessary. Many controllers at understaffed facilities regularly exceed standard hours, driving their effective hourly compensation well above base rates. Positions at en route centers, TRACONs, and airport traffic control towers often pay uniquely based on the complexities and responsibilities associated with each role. Additionally, hiring for FAA facilities contrasts sharply with private contractors who may lack benefits. As such, it's common for air traffic controllers to navigate their compensation in negotiations, weighing hourly pay against health benefits and job security when considering their next career move.
More salary data for Port Huron, 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 Port Huron. 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 Port Huron 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