Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Billings, MT: $75.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Billings, MT runs $75.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $156,529 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Billings's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $78.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,919 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Billings, Montana, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $75.26, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $73.02. This figure reflects the industry's competitive nature and the demand for skilled professionals in various operational environments like en route centers and airport traffic control towers. Part-time controllers working three days a week can potentially earn around $54,215 annually, depending on their work hours. The hourly income for an air traffic controller in Billings ranges from $43.64 for entry-level positions to $109.15 for those at the top of their career trajectories. Many controllers work in conditions that vary greatly, from windowless radar facilities to control tower cabs that provide expansive views of airport operations, showcasing the necessity of focused coordination and decision-making skills.
About the Billings Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43.64 | $349.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.19 | $433.50 |
| Median (P50) | $75.26 | $602.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.32 | $770.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.15 | $873.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Billings
Based on $75.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.26/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Billings, MT can expect to earn approximately $156,532 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,307. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Billings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Billings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,010.22 | $13,044 | $156,532 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,806.13 | $7,827 | $93,919 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,204.09 | $5,218 | $62,613 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Billings) | $75.26 |
| 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 Billings, MT earn a median of $156,529 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.06% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.10% above the Montana state average of $151,823.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.26/hr = $93,919/year (purchasing power: $97,629).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $156,532/year (purchasing power: $162,715).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$60.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Billings grew 20.4% from $60.94/hr (2019) to $73.37/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.19/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 Billings 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 Billings
Understanding the earning potential as a per diem air traffic controller in Billings can significantly affect income levels beyond the basic hourly pay. For instance, controllers often find themselves working overtime, which can lead to annual earnings soaring above the base compensation if they regularly clock 50 to 60 hours a week. The potential for an extra $50,000 to $100,000 from overtime underscores why many controllers prefer facilities that may offer lower hourly rates as they come with benefits like health insurance. Moreover, varying employer types can influence pay scales; positions at FAA en route centers and contract towers typically yield different hourly rates based on the location’s staffing needs and budget constraints. Negotiation tactics become vital as controllers can advocate for higher rates if they are willing to shift to agencies or facilities that best meet their personal compensation and benefit preferences, making the local market in Billings particularly dynamic for aspiring air traffic control professionals.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
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 Billings. 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 Billings 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