Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Webster Groves, MO: $62.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Webster Groves, MO runs $62.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,703 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Webster Groves's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,417 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Webster Groves, Missouri, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $62.83, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate has significant implications for part-time workers who typically work three days a week, allowing them to maintain a balanced work-life situation while still earning a competitive wage. For per-diem air traffic controller pay in Webster Groves, workers can find themselves in various settings, whether they are at en route centers managing high-altitude traffic, TRACON facilities coordinating local airspace, or working in airport control towers. The hourly pay ranges from $36.44 for entry-level roles to $84.09 for top earners, reflecting a diverse salary spectrum that corresponds to varying levels of responsibility and expertise in the field.
About the Webster Groves 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) | $36.44 | $291.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.24 | $361.95 |
| Median (P50) | $62.83 | $502.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.68 | $621.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.09 | $672.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Webster Groves
Based on $62.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.83/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Webster Groves, MO can expect to earn approximately $130,696 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,401. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Webster Groves.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Webster Groves
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,513.38 | $10,891 | $130,696 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,508.03 | $6,535 | $78,417 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,005.35 | $4,357 | $52,278 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Webster Groves) | $62.83 |
| 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 Webster Groves, MO earn a median of $130,703 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.95% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.00% below the Missouri state average of $136,149.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.83/hr = $78,417/year (purchasing power: $87,519).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,696/year (purchasing power: $145,866).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Webster Groves (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Webster Groves grew 20.4% from $50.88/hr (2019) to $61.26/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.45/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 Webster Groves 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 Webster Groves
In terms of annualizing part-time work, an air traffic controller in Webster Groves working 24 hours a week could still see a significant income, albeit markedly less than full-time counterparts. Controllers who routinely work overtime—often a necessity due to chronic understaffing—can enhance their effective hourly compensation. Many in the profession find themselves clocking 50 to 60 hours per week, leading to substantial earnings that can include upwards of $50k-$100k in annual overtime. The variation in pay also stems from the employer type, as roles in FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach controls often command higher rates than smaller contract towers. Some may choose lower hourly rates with the assurance of benefits, while others seek higher wages at the cost of health insurance. For those operating in Webster Groves' air traffic control environment, negotiation tactics can involve leveraging overtime potential and clarifying employment terms to maximize earning capacity in line with personal needs and job expectations.
More salary data for Webster Groves, 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 Webster Groves. 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 Webster Groves 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