Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Hattiesburg, MS: $59.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Hattiesburg, MS runs $59.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,196 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Hattiesburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,513 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an hourly median rate of $59.71, air traffic controllers in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, earn significantly less than the national median of $73.02. This pay structure shapes the financial outlook for those working part-time or per diem. Controllers working three days a week can anticipate earning a stable income, valuable for those balancing other commitments or roles in FAA facilities such as en route centers, TRACONs, and airport control towers. The hourly earnings for entry-level controllers start from approximately $34.63, while top earners can make up to $83.83 per hour. These rates are based on estimated figures derived from annual salary data, helping potential applicants understand the financial landscape in air traffic control within the state.
About the Hattiesburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.63 | $277.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.14 | $345.13 |
| Median (P50) | $59.71 | $477.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.78 | $606.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.83 | $670.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hattiesburg
Based on $59.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.71/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hattiesburg, MS can expect to earn approximately $124,188 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,647. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hattiesburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hattiesburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,388.24 | $10,349 | $124,188 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,432.94 | $6,209 | $74,513 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $955.30 | $4,140 | $49,675 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Hattiesburg) | $59.71 |
| 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 Hattiesburg, MS earn a median of $124,196 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.23% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.60% below the Mississippi state average of $130,184.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.71/hr = $74,513/year (purchasing power: $86,946).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,188/year (purchasing power: $144,911).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Hattiesburg grew 20.4% from $48.35/hr (2019) to $58.21/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.24/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 Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
Examining part-time earning potential, a controller working 24 hours per week in Hattiesburg would gross around $74,422 annually depending on shifts worked, a respectable income considering the local cost of living. Many controllers, however, opt for per diem arrangements or agency roles, where they can secure unique hourly opportunities. Overtime incentives substantially elevate effective hourly compensation; controllers understaffed at facilities often surpass standard hours, earning significant additional pay. Various employers contribute to a range of compensation levels across the area, from FAA en route centers to military installations. While higher hourly rates can exist at contract towers or TRACONs, benefits such as health insurance may draw some to federal positions, despite lower hourly pay. It's advisable for hourly workers in Hattiesburg to negotiate effectively, considering the unique dynamics of their facility, particularly in terms of hours and potential overtime compensation, to achieve a competitive rate reflecting their skills and commitment.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Hattiesburg in 2026?
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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 Hattiesburg. 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 Hattiesburg 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