Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Waterford, MI: $66.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Waterford, MI runs $66.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,141 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Waterford's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,885 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waterford, Michigan, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $66.41, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $73.02. This difference can be crucial for professionals considering whether to work part-time or as per-diem staff. Air traffic controllers typically operate in diverse environments, including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers, often requiring them to adapt to the specific demands of their role. The hourly rates for entry-level positions start at approximately $38.52, while the most experienced controllers can earn up to $96.58 per hour. Given the projected growth rate of 2.57% over the next five years, this career path presents opportunities for rising compensation, despite the current pay scale being below the national average.
About the Waterford 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) | $38.52 | $308.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.82 | $382.55 |
| Median (P50) | $66.41 | $531.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.01 | $680.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.58 | $772.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterford
Based on $66.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.41/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterford, MI can expect to earn approximately $138,141 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,697. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,656.56 | $11,512 | $138,141 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,593.94 | $6,907 | $82,885 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,062.63 | $4,605 | $55,257 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Waterford) | $66.41 |
| 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 Waterford, MI earn a median of $138,141 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.05% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $141,538.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.41/hr = $82,885/year (purchasing power: $88,932).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,141/year (purchasing power: $148,220).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Waterford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Waterford grew 20.4% from $53.78/hr (2019) to $64.75/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.12/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 Waterford 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 Waterford
The earnings potential for an air traffic controller working three days a week can still be quite lucrative, with their effective salary comprising not just base pay, but often significant overtime. Controllers frequently take on additional hours, averaging between 50 to 60 hours a week, which can dramatically increase their take-home compensation. This situation is particularly true for those working in understaffed facilities where overtime at a rate of 1.5 times the base significantly boosts annual earnings. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Waterford can be negotiable during transitions between facilities, adding another layer of earning flexibility. Different employer types, like FAA en route centers and contract towers, can offer varying pay structures; some might trade higher hourly rates for more comprehensive health benefits. Negotiating effectively, especially when considering the benefits trade-off, can enhance overall compensation satisfaction, ensuring that controllers align their hourly pay with their long-term career goals in the MI air traffic control sector.
More salary data for Waterford, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Waterford. 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 Waterford 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