Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Wildwood, MO: $64.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Wildwood, MO runs $64.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,009 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Wildwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,003 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wildwood, Missouri, air traffic controllers can expect a median hourly pay of $64.91, which is approximately 11.11% lower than the national hourly median of $73.02. This hourly wage allows for diverse working arrangements, making it possible for part-time controllers—those working three days a week—to earn a substantial income while balancing other commitments. Controllers are typically stationed in various environments, such as en route centers and control towers, where their jobs require both focus and adaptability. The hourly pay structure in Wildwood ranges from $37.64 for entry-level positions to as high as $89.76 for top earners, indicating that opportunities for growth and increased earnings are within reach for dedicated professionals in this field.
About the Wildwood 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) | $37.64 | $301.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.73 | $373.85 |
| Median (P50) | $64.91 | $519.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.53 | $652.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.76 | $718.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wildwood
Based on $64.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.91/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wildwood, MO can expect to earn approximately $135,005 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,888. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wildwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wildwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,596.25 | $11,250 | $135,005 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,557.75 | $6,750 | $81,003 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,038.50 | $4,500 | $54,002 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Wildwood) | $64.91 |
| 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 Wildwood, MO earn a median of $135,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.11% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $136,098.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.91/hr = $81,003/year (purchasing power: $90,405).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,005/year (purchasing power: $150,675).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wildwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Wildwood grew 20.4% from $52.56/hr (2019) to $63.28/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.57/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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood
In terms of part-time earning potential, a controller working 24 hours a week can realize annual earnings significantly different from their full-time counterparts. Overtime is another key factor impacting income; with many controllers putting in 50 to 60 hours a week due to chronic understaffing, effective hourly compensation can often exceed base pay due to the 1.5x rate for overtime hours. This dynamic enhances the allure of per diem air traffic controller pay in Wildwood, especially for those willing to take temporary positions that may offer flexible schedules. Various employers, including FAA en route centers and military installations, may offer differing rates, often dependent on the specific demands and location of the facility. Some professionals might choose to prioritize stability and health benefits associated with federal employment over higher hourly rates in private contract towers. Navigating the negotiation process effectively can further optimize one’s compensation, underscoring the importance of understanding both the local market context and the broader FAA pay scale dynamics.
More salary data for Wildwood, 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 Wildwood. 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 Wildwood 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