Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Cape Girardeau, MO: $63.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Cape Girardeau, MO runs $63.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,023 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Cape Girardeau's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,211 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cape Girardeau, Missouri, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $63.47, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This figure provides a solid foundation for understanding the earning potential in various capacities within the profession, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers. For controllers working on a part-time basis, such as those employed for three days a week, the hourly rate translates into a consistent income while still allowing for flexibility in their schedules. The hourly compensation ranges from $37.25 for entry-level positions to $87.40 for those at the top of their field, reflecting the differences in experience and responsibilities. Controllers typically operate in environments like radar consoles at en route centers or in airport traffic control towers, where their decision-making is crucial for maintaining safe and efficient airspace operations.
About the Cape Girardeau 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) | $37.25 | $298.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.12 | $376.97 |
| Median (P50) | $63.47 | $507.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.36 | $634.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.40 | $699.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cape Girardeau
Based on $63.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.47/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cape Girardeau, MO can expect to earn approximately $132,018 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,164. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cape Girardeau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cape Girardeau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,538.81 | $11,002 | $132,018 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,523.29 | $6,601 | $79,211 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,015.53 | $4,401 | $52,807 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Cape Girardeau) | $63.47 |
| 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 Cape Girardeau, MO earn a median of $132,023 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.08% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.00% below the Missouri state average of $136,106.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.47/hr = $79,211/year (purchasing power: $88,405).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,018/year (purchasing power: $147,342).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cape Girardeau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Cape Girardeau grew 20.4% from $51.40/hr (2019) to $61.88/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.10/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 Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau
Considering the part-time earning potential, an air traffic controller working 24 hours a week could expect to bring home approximately $52,300 annually, a figure that contrasts sharply with full-time earnings. Many controllers take advantage of overtime opportunities, especially in understaffed facilities, allowing for more substantial overall compensation. It's common for those working 50 to 60 hours per week, especially in high-demand positions, to earn significantly more with overtime pay—sometimes surpassing $100,000 in total compensation due to these additional hours. While some may opt for lower hourly rates that come with benefits, others prefer the flexibility and higher pay associated with per diem work at various facilities. Hourly rates can also differ significantly based on the type of employer, with FAA en route centers, TRACONs, airports, and military operations offering varying pay scales. For those negotiating support roles, understanding the trade-offs between payment and benefits, as well as the regional demand for controllers in Cape Girardeau, can help secure the best possible compensation in this evolving field.
More salary data for Cape Girardeau, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Cape Girardeau in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Cape Girardeau?
Are air traffic controllers in Cape Girardeau paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Cape Girardeau?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Cape Girardeau?
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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 Cape Girardeau. 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 Cape Girardeau 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