Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Horn Lake, MS: $61.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Horn Lake, MS runs $61.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,519 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Horn Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,510 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $61.31 in Horn Lake, Mississippi, air traffic controllers earn less than their national counterparts, who make an average of $73.02 per hour. This hourly pay is significant for those looking to work part-time, as controllers might opt for a three-day weekly schedule, ultimately influencing their financial stability and lifestyle. The projected hourly wage range for this profession varies widely from $35.56 for entry-level positions to $89.21 for experienced professionals. Given the nature of the job, which often takes place in various settings—from en route center radar consoles to control towers with expansive views—this hourly pay can attract part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers who seek flexibility within their schedules while ensuring they maintain a good income.
About the Horn Lake 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) | $35.56 | $284.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.15 | $353.17 |
| Median (P50) | $61.31 | $490.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.09 | $608.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.21 | $713.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Horn Lake
Based on $61.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.31/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Horn Lake, MS can expect to earn approximately $127,517 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,567. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Horn Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Horn Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,452.24 | $10,626 | $127,517 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,471.35 | $6,376 | $76,510 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $980.90 | $4,251 | $51,007 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Horn Lake) | $61.31 |
| 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 Horn Lake, MS earn a median of $127,519 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.04% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.00% below the Mississippi state average of $130,122.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.31/hr = $76,510/year (purchasing power: $89,277).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,517/year (purchasing power: $148,794).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Horn Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Horn Lake grew 20.4% from $49.64/hr (2019) to $59.77/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.88/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 Horn Lake 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 Horn Lake
When considering the annual earnings of part-time positions at 24 hours a week, the financial picture shifts considerably compared to full-time roles. Controllers working part-time might take home a comfortable income, but they may miss out on the lucrative overtime opportunities commonly seen in these roles. Many full-time controllers log extensive hours, with some working 50 to 60 hours per week, which can significantly elevate their earnings, including bonuses for overtime that can easily exceed a base salary. In Horn Lake, hourly rates can vary based on the type of facility, such as FAA en route centers, TRACONs near airports, and contracted ATCTs. While some controllers might accept lower pay for government jobs with benefits, others will accept higher rates from private contractors for flexibility without added health coverage. By maintaining strong negotiation skills and understanding the dynamics of local facilities, prospective air traffic controllers can work wisely within the market, opting for positions that fit both their financial needs and lifestyle preferences.
More salary data for Horn Lake, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Horn Lake in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Horn Lake?
Are air traffic controllers in Horn Lake paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Horn Lake?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Horn Lake?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Horn Lake. 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 Horn Lake 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