Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Oxford, MS: $59.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Oxford, MS runs $59.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,186 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Oxford'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
In Oxford, Mississippi, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $59.71, which falls below the national median of $73.02. This hourly figure offers insight into potential earnings for part-time workers, such as those who choose to work three days a week (24 hours total), resulting in substantial opportunities for professionals in various settings, including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. The projected hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Oxford ranges from $34.63 for entry-level positions to $83.82 for experienced controllers, reflecting the considerable variability based on experience and settings they operate in. These estimates, informed by annual salary data, highlight the financial implications for those engaged in this crucial profession.
About the Oxford 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) | $43.12 | $344.96 |
| Median (P50) | $59.71 | $477.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.42 | $611.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.82 | $670.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oxford
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 Oxford, 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 Oxford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oxford
| 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 (Oxford) | $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 Oxford, MS earn a median of $124,186 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.24% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.60% below the Mississippi state average of $130,174.
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 Oxford (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 | $41.27/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 Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford
When considering a part-time schedule, an air traffic controller working just three days a week could expect to take home about $74,166 annually, significantly lower than a full-time controller's potential earnings. Additionally, many in this profession find themselves working overtime, earning a multiplied rate that surpasses their standard pay, often resulting in $50,000 to $100,000 in annual overtime by handling 50 to 60 hours per week in high-demand environments. The type of employer also influences earning potential, with controller positions at FAA en route centers or terminal radar approaches typically offering more competitive compensation compared to FAA contract towers. These positions often include benefits, making them attractive for those who might otherwise accept lower hourly rates for security and health insurance. With the ongoing challenge of staffing shortages and the unique dynamics of the FAA pay scale, it's essential for air traffic controllers in Oxford to prioritize negotiation strategies to boost their compensation effectively, especially in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Oxford, 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 Oxford. 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 Oxford 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