Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Southaven, MS: $61.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Southaven, MS runs $61.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,045 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Southaven's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,830 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Southaven, the projected air traffic controller hourly pay stands at $61.56 for the year 2026, somewhat below the national median of $73.02. This rate reflects the earnings potential for various work arrangements, including part-time or per-diem schedules, which are common in environments like en route centers and airport control towers. Controllers managing radar traffic in these settings may find themselves in windowless rooms or high-rise towers with expansive views, often working under high-pressure conditions. With an hourly range from $35.70 for entry-level positions to $86.59 for seasoned controllers, the variability allows for significant fluctuations based on experience and facility type, indicating the financial dynamics of the profession in Southaven.
About the Southaven 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) | $35.70 | $285.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.54 | $356.29 |
| Median (P50) | $61.56 | $492.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.67 | $621.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.59 | $692.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Southaven
Based on $61.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.56/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Southaven, MS can expect to earn approximately $128,050 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,875. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Southaven.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Southaven
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,462.50 | $10,671 | $128,050 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,477.50 | $6,403 | $76,830 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $985.00 | $4,268 | $51,220 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Southaven) | $61.56 |
| 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 Southaven, MS earn a median of $128,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.70% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.60% below the Mississippi state average of $130,127.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.56/hr = $76,830/year (purchasing power: $89,650).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,050/year (purchasing power: $149,417).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Southaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Southaven grew 20.4% from $49.85/hr (2019) to $60.02/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.14/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 Southaven 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 Southaven
Examining the earning trajectories of part-time air traffic controllers reveals distinct financial implications. A worker committed to a three-day schedule, amounting to 24 hours per week, would earn approximately $77,505 annually, a figure notably less than their full-time counterparts. However, many controllers leverage per-diem arrangements and overtime, often adding substantial income beyond base hourly rates. The average overtime pay can elevate earnings considerably, especially for those racking up 50-60 hours weekly due to staffing shortages, which have been persistent in the sector since the 2013 budget cuts. Work at various facility types also impacts pay: FAA en route centers and TRACONs generally offer more lucrative compensation compared to smaller, contract towers. Some controllers opt for lower hourly rates at facilities that provide health insurance, highlighting a critical decision-making factor for those in the field. Negotiating hourly pay in this context may focus on understanding the facility's budget constraints while emphasizing the added value of experience and flexibility.
More salary data for Southaven, 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 Southaven. 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 Southaven 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