Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Springfield, MO: $67.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Springfield, MO runs $67.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,733 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Springfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $75.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,434 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Springfield, Missouri, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $67.66 as of 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This comparison reflects the local market dynamics while presenting opportunities for those seeking a part-time schedule, such as working three days a week. Controllers in this arrangement can expect to earn a solid income, operating within various control environments like en route centers and airport traffic control towers. The hourly range for controllers in Springfield spans from $39.24 at the entry-level (10th percentile) to $101.25 for the most experienced professionals (90th percentile), translating into a robust earning potential for part-time and per-diem workers in this essential field. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, underscoring the profession's lucrative nature despite its demanding responsibilities.
About the Springfield 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) | $39.24 | $313.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.71 | $389.68 |
| Median (P50) | $67.66 | $541.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.61 | $692.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.25 | $809.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Springfield
Based on $67.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.66/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Springfield, MO can expect to earn approximately $140,723 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,186. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Springfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Springfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,706.21 | $11,727 | $140,723 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,623.72 | $7,036 | $84,434 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,082.48 | $4,691 | $56,289 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Springfield) | $67.66 |
| 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 Springfield, MO earn a median of $140,733 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.34% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.40% above the Missouri state average of $136,106.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.66/hr = $84,434/year (purchasing power: $94,234).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,723/year (purchasing power: $157,057).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Springfield grew 20.4% from $54.78/hr (2019) to $65.96/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.39/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 Springfield 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 Springfield
Exploring the potential for part-time work reveals significant earning possibilities for air traffic controllers in Springfield. A controller working three days a week at 24 hours could realistically make a substantial income annually compared to their full-time counterparts. Additionally, the per-diem air traffic controller pay in Springfield can be notably competitive, especially with opportunities for overtime. Controllers often work in understaffed facilities, sometimes clocking 50-60 hours per week, which can lead to additional earnings exceeding $50,000 to $100,000 from overtime alone. Employment can vary widely across employer types, from FAA en route centers to military branches, each affecting hourly pay scales. While some may opt for higher hourly rates with no benefits, others might prefer the stability of a lower hourly rate that includes health insurance coverage. Controllers should consider their priorities and negotiate effectively, especially since the FAA and NATCA environments present specific trade-offs based on facility tier and employer type in Springfield, MO.
More salary data for Springfield, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Springfield. 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 Springfield 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