Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Olive Branch, MS: $59.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Olive Branch, MS runs $59.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,156 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Olive Branch's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,899 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Olive Branch, Mississippi, command a median hourly pay of $59.21, which is considerably lower than the national hourly median of $73.02. This disparity highlights local economic conditions and job supply factors in the aviation sector. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to a gross earning potential of approximately $2,285 per week, making it viable for those balancing other commitments. In Olive Branch, hourly earnings can range from $34.34 for entry-level positions to $82.33 for experienced controllers, reflecting a hierarchy common in air traffic control positions. Many controllers work in various environments, from en route center radar consoles to airport traffic control towers, each presenting unique challenges and settings. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, offering a glimpse into earnings potential in Olive Branch's niche job market.
About the Olive Branch 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) | $34.34 | $274.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.63 | $341.02 |
| Median (P50) | $59.21 | $473.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.79 | $606.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.33 | $658.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olive Branch
Based on $59.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.21/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Olive Branch, MS can expect to earn approximately $123,164 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,056. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Olive Branch.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olive Branch
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,368.55 | $10,264 | $123,164 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,421.13 | $6,158 | $73,899 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $947.42 | $4,105 | $49,266 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Olive Branch) | $59.21 |
| 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 Olive Branch, MS earn a median of $123,156 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.92% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.40% below the Mississippi state average of $130,186.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.21/hr = $73,899/year (purchasing power: $86,229).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,164/year (purchasing power: $143,716).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Olive Branch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Olive Branch grew 20.4% from $47.95/hr (2019) to $57.73/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.74/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 Olive Branch 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 Olive Branch
Focusing on part-time earnings, a controller working 24 hours a week could secure an annual income of around $28,000 before taxes, which is significantly lower than what a full-timer might expect. Many controllers find themselves moving into per diem roles, especially when transitioning between facilities or during training sessions, giving them the option to negotiate rates based on their unique circumstances. Additionally, working an estimated 50-60 hours weekly can lead to substantial overtime pay, which can enhance overall compensation significantly. In Olive Branch, air traffic controllers might find varied hourly rates across different employment types, such as FAA en route centers or airport towers, with various options influencing the benefits spectrum. Some choose positions offering lower hourly pay in exchange for comprehensive health insurance and job security, while others prefer higher pay without the safety net of benefits. Controllers should consider factors like long-term stability along with compensation when negotiating their pay in Olive Branch, MS.
More salary data for Olive Branch, 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 Olive Branch. 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 Olive Branch 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