Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Laurel, MS: $57.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Laurel, MS runs $57.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $120,384 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,235 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laurel, Mississippi, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $57.88, which is notably below the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate reflects the earnings for those working in various settings, including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers. Part-time air traffic controllers, typically working three days a week, can anticipate earnings adjusted for a typical work schedule, while per-diem roles offer flexibility that can appeal to many professionals in this field. Entry-level pay starts at around $33.70 per hour, gradually escalating to the top earners who can reach up to $78.77. It's crucial to understand that these hourly figures are derived from projected annual salary data.
About the Laurel 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) | $33.70 | $269.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.48 | $339.88 |
| Median (P50) | $57.88 | $463.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.36 | $578.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.77 | $630.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $57.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.88/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MS can expect to earn approximately $120,391 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,456. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,315.21 | $10,033 | $120,391 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,389.13 | $6,020 | $72,235 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $926.08 | $4,013 | $48,156 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Laurel) | $57.88 |
| 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 Laurel, MS earn a median of $120,384 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.74% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.50% below the Mississippi state average of $130,145.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.88/hr = $72,235/year (purchasing power: $84,288).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,391/year (purchasing power: $140,479).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Laurel grew 20.4% from $46.87/hr (2019) to $56.43/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.37/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
Effective earning potential varies significantly for air traffic controllers in Laurel when looking at part-time versus full-time opportunities. A part-time controller working 24 hours over three days may take home an attractive figure annually while enjoying greater flexibility compared to full-time counterparts. For those in the field, the potential for overtime is substantial, especially in understaffed facilities, where a schedule can often range from 50 to 60 hours a week. This frequently results in effective pay that exceeds the base hourly compensation. Various employers, including FAA ARTCCs and TRACONs, offer different benefits; some controllers may choose a slightly lower hourly rate for access to health insurance while others may opt for higher rates with no benefits. Practical negotiation tactics can make a significant difference, especially for those considering per diem roles or agency positions in this tight-knit community.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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