Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Gladstone, MO: $62.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Gladstone, MO runs $62.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,069 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Gladstone's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,046 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gladstone, Missouri, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $62.54, which reflects a competitive edge within the regional labor market, though it falls below the national median of $73.02. This hourly wage is particularly significant for part-time workers who may operate on a 3-days-a-week schedule, often working in environments such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. For those entering the field or at the height of their careers, the hourly pay ranges widely from approximately $36.27 for entry-level positions (P10) to about $90.37 for seasoned professionals (P90). Such figures are derived from anticipated annual salaries, underlining the potential for air traffic controller hourly pay in Gladstone to meet local economic demands.
About the Gladstone 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) | $36.27 | $290.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.29 | $362.36 |
| Median (P50) | $62.54 | $500.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.05 | $640.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.37 | $723.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gladstone
Based on $62.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.54/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gladstone, MO can expect to earn approximately $130,077 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,044. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gladstone.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gladstone
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,501.48 | $10,840 | $130,077 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,500.89 | $6,504 | $78,046 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,000.59 | $4,336 | $52,031 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Gladstone) | $62.54 |
| 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 Gladstone, MO earn a median of $130,069 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.36% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.40% below the Missouri state average of $136,055.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.54/hr = $78,046/year (purchasing power: $87,105).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,077/year (purchasing power: $145,175).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Gladstone (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Gladstone grew 20.4% from $50.64/hr (2019) to $60.97/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.14/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 Gladstone 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 Gladstone
Part-time air traffic controllers in Gladstone could see a take-home pay significantly lower than their full-time counterparts when working just 24 hours a week, leading to less stress but also reduced income. However, the industry operates on a structure where overtime is a common reality, with many controllers clocking in 50-60 hours weekly, leading to effective compensation far exceeding standard hourly pay rates. Per diem arrangements for air traffic controllers provide flexibility during training and facility transfers, offering additional financial leverage without compromising benefits, an appealing factor for many in the profession. The varying pay across different employer types—FAA en route centers, TRACON facilities, and military installations—gives rise to an intricate earnings landscape. Some controllers opt for positions with lower hourly rates but better health care benefits, while others seek higher pay without such packages. Thus, negotiation strategies become essential for workers navigating this environment, allowing choices that align with personal and professional goals while optimizing their earnings potential in Gladstone, MO.
More salary data for Gladstone, 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 Gladstone. 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 Gladstone 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