Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Branson, MO: $60.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Branson, MO runs $60.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,466 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Branson's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,883 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Branson, Missouri, earn a median hourly rate of $60.80, which is notably less than the national median of $73.02. This disparity highlights the local economy's cost of living, indexed at 89.6. For part-time workers, typically scheduled for three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a gross earning potential of about $48,000 annually, based on a 24-hour workweek. In Branson's operational setting—whether at en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, or airport control tower cabs—controllers often encounter varied working conditions. The hourly pay ranges from $35.63 for entry-level controllers to $83.44 for top earners, indicating significant potential for experienced professionals in this specialized field. These figures reflect localized estimates derived from annual salary data, emphasizing the unique compensation dynamics found in Branson.
About the Branson Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.63 | $285.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.99 | $359.90 |
| Median (P50) | $60.80 | $486.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.26 | $610.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.44 | $667.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Branson
Based on $60.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.80/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Branson, MO can expect to earn approximately $126,471 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,964. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Branson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Branson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,432.14 | $10,539 | $126,471 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,459.28 | $6,324 | $75,883 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $972.86 | $4,216 | $50,589 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Branson) | $60.80 |
| 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 Branson, MO earn a median of $126,466 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.74% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.10% below the Missouri state average of $136,131.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.80/hr = $75,883/year (purchasing power: $84,691).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,471/year (purchasing power: $141,151).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Branson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Branson grew 20.4% from $49.24/hr (2019) to $59.28/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.37/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 Branson 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 Branson
For air traffic controllers in Branson, the earning potential for those working part-time can result in substantial differences compared to full-time counterparts. A controller working 24 hours per week may take home a projected gross income, while full-timers, routinely facing chronic understaffing, often clock in 50-60 hours weekly, significantly boosting their effective hourly compensation. Given the high demand, many controllers benefit from overtime pay, earning 1.5 times their base rate. This reality can lead to annual earnings swelling beyond $50,000 in additional income from overtime alone. The dynamics of per diem air traffic controller pay in Branson also reflect the diverse opportunities available, with negotiating power for those in training or transitioning between facilities. Compensation can vary widely based on employer type, with FAA centers generally offering better pay compared to smaller contract towers. With many opting for higher hourly rates that come without health benefits, balancing salary and health insurance options becomes a crucial consideration for controllers navigating their career paths in Branson MO.
More salary data for Branson, MO:
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 Branson. 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 Branson 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