Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Pearl, MS: $61.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Pearl, MS runs $61.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,934 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Pearl's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,355 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pearl, Mississippi, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at $61.98 per hour, a figure notably below the national median of $73.02 per hour. This rate reflects not only the competitive nature of the profession but also the distinct cost of living in the region, which is approximately 85.7 on the index, indicating a lower-than-average expense for everyday needs. For controllers working part-time, such as those choosing a 3-day workweek, this generates a substantial income while allowing more flexibility for other pursuits. The hourly range in Pearl spans from $35.95 for entry-level positions to $85.69 for top earners, illustrating the vast potential for growth in this dynamic field. Employed at FAA facilities, controllers often work in environments such as en route center radar consoles or airport control towers, necessitating a high degree of focus and expertise.
About the Pearl 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) | $35.95 | $287.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.63 | $357.03 |
| Median (P50) | $61.98 | $495.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.71 | $621.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.69 | $685.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pearl
Based on $61.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.98/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pearl, MS can expect to earn approximately $128,925 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,380. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pearl.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pearl
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,479.32 | $10,744 | $128,925 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,487.59 | $6,446 | $77,355 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $991.73 | $4,297 | $51,570 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Pearl) | $61.98 |
| 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 Pearl, MS earn a median of $128,934 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.11% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% below the Mississippi state average of $130,105.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.98/hr = $77,355/year (purchasing power: $90,262).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,925/year (purchasing power: $150,437).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pearl (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Pearl grew 20.4% from $50.19/hr (2019) to $60.43/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.58/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 Pearl 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 Pearl
Part-time controllers averaging 24 hours per week could take home around $48,612 annually, a comfortable sum given the lower cost of living in Pearl. However, many in this profession find the most lucrative opportunities reside in the realm of overtime, where earnings often surge above base hourly rates. Controllers in understaffed facilities may work 50-60 hours a week, thereby racking up significant overtime boosts that can lead to annual pay exceeding $200,000 when including additional per diem air traffic controller pay in Pearl. Furthermore, hourly rates can fluctuate based on the type of employer: FAA en route centers and TRACONs commonly offer competitive wages, while military and contract towers may vary substantially. It's also essential to consider the benefits package; some controllers may opt for positions with lower hourly pay that include comprehensive health benefits, and the opportunity to negotiate at facilities is critical for securing not just desirable pay but also optimal working conditions. Understanding these dynamics can help potential air traffic controllers in Pearl make informed decisions about their career paths.
More salary data for Pearl, 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 Pearl. 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 Pearl 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