Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Madison, MS: $61.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Madison, MS runs $61.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,388 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Madison's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,035 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Madison, Mississippi, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at $61.73, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This pay rate has significant implications for part-time workers, especially those operating in high-pressure environments like TRACON radar facilities or ATC towers, where controllers must manage air traffic efficiently. Those working three days a week might find the earnings manageable, but it still reflects a local economy where living costs are comparatively lower due to a cost of living index of 85.7. Entry-level controllers can expect to earn around $35.80 per hour, while those reaching the higher echelons can make up to $84.80. The hourly rates here are derived from estimated annual figures and provide a comprehensive view of what controllers might anticipate in their paychecks weekly and monthly.
About the Madison 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) | $35.80 | $286.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.72 | $365.72 |
| Median (P50) | $61.73 | $493.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.06 | $616.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.80 | $678.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madison
Based on $61.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.73/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madison, MS can expect to earn approximately $128,391 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,072. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Madison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,469.07 | $10,699 | $128,391 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,481.44 | $6,420 | $77,035 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $987.63 | $4,280 | $51,357 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Madison) | $61.73 |
| 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 Madison, MS earn a median of $128,388 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.47% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% below the Mississippi state average of $130,211.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.73/hr = $77,035/year (purchasing power: $89,889).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,391/year (purchasing power: $149,815).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Madison grew 20.4% from $49.98/hr (2019) to $60.18/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.31/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 Madison 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 Madison
Part-time air traffic controllers in Madison can expect to take home a substantial amount even while working just 24 hours a week, creating a different dynamic compared to full-time controllers balancing long shifts. The potential for overtime adds another layer to compensation, with many controllers working in understaffed environments clocking in 50-60 hours a week, substantially increasing their hourly effective pay through premium overtime rates. Compared to full-time CPCs at major FAA facilities that often receive significant salary boosts, controllers in smaller towers or TRACONs may find themselves in varied pay situations based on location and employer type, such as FAA contract towers or military air traffic control. Those negotiating salaries might lower their hourly base pay in exchange for benefits in certain positions. For those navigating per diem air traffic controller pay in Madison, the possibility for training compensation also exists, but there are limits as contracting roles are not available in the FAA framework, making them a unique option primarily for flexibility in work arrangements.
More salary data for Madison, MS:
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 Madison. 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 Madison 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