Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Sterling Heights, MI: $69.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Sterling Heights, MI runs $69.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,523 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Sterling Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $74.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,712 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling Heights, Michigan, air traffic controllers command a median hourly rate of $69.48, slightly below the national average of $73.02. This pay structure can significantly benefit part-time workers, especially those clocking in three days a week, as they have the flexibility to balance work and personal commitment without sacrificing substantial earnings. For air traffic controllers working in various environments—such as high-altitude en route centers, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers—this hourly rate transforms into a practical income source when considering the demands and responsibilities of the job. Entry-level controllers earn around $40.30 per hour, while experienced professionals can reach up to $106.62, highlighting the income potential across different experience levels in Sterling Heights.
About the Sterling Heights 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) | $40.30 | $322.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.02 | $400.19 |
| Median (P50) | $69.48 | $555.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.45 | $707.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.62 | $852.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling Heights
Based on $69.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.48/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling Heights, MI can expect to earn approximately $144,520 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,377. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sterling Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,779.24 | $12,043 | $144,520 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,667.54 | $7,226 | $86,712 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,111.69 | $4,817 | $57,808 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Sterling Heights) | $69.48 |
| 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 Sterling Heights, MI earn a median of $144,523 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.85% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.10% above the Michigan state average of $141,551.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.48/hr = $86,712/year (purchasing power: $93,039).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,520/year (purchasing power: $155,065).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sterling Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Sterling Heights grew 20.4% from $56.26/hr (2019) to $67.74/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.27/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 Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights
Working part-time as an air traffic controller for about 24 hours a week could yield an annual income that far exceeds the expectations for typical part-time positions. When comparing this scenario to full-time counterparts, controllers often find that per-diem opportunities present a lucrative alternative. Many end up working in understaffed facilities where they regularly put in 50-60 hours, leading to considerable overtime pay, often adding $50,000 to $100,000 to their annual earnings through time-and-a-half compensation. Additionally, hourly rates vary depending on employment type; professional controllers in FAA en route centers and TRACON facilities typically see a more stable wage compared to those at FAA contract towers. It's important to weigh the benefits of positions that may offer higher hourly rates without health insurance against those with comprehensive benefits but slightly lower compensation, making negotiation tactics crucial for maximizing income. Exploring per diem air traffic controller pay in Sterling Heights can also reveal promising financial opportunities for those moving across different facility types while progressing through their careers.
More salary data for Sterling Heights, 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 Sterling Heights. 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 Sterling Heights 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