Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Hastings, NE: $63.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Hastings, NE runs $63.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,092 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Hastings's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,661 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hastings, Nebraska, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $63.03, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This hourly pay affects both full-time positions and part-time arrangements, such as those working three days a week, providing a competitive yet less lucrative option compared to pressing national averages. Controllers in Hastings operate in various environments, including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers, each with its unique demands and dynamics. Entry-level rates start at about $36.56 per hour, while experienced controllers can earn as much as $87.47 per hour. These figures are derived from annual salary data, indicating a range of earning potential that allows some flexibility for per-diem work or supplementary shifts across varied ATC settings.
About the Hastings Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.56 | $292.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.38 | $363.02 |
| Median (P50) | $63.03 | $504.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.21 | $633.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.47 | $699.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hastings
Based on $63.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.03/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hastings, NE can expect to earn approximately $131,101 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,635. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hastings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hastings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,521.17 | $10,925 | $131,101 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,512.70 | $6,555 | $78,661 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,008.47 | $4,370 | $52,440 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Hastings) | $63.03 |
| 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 Hastings, NE earn a median of $131,092 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.69% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $134,315.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.03/hr = $78,661/year (purchasing power: $85,968).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,101/year (purchasing power: $143,280).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Hastings grew 20.4% from $51.04/hr (2019) to $61.45/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.65/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 Hastings 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 Hastings
Exploring the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Hastings reveals that working just 24 hours a week can yield a substantial annual income, though less than a full-time role. Agencies that provide per-diem rates often result in higher take-home pay than full-time controllers due to the overtime compensation that many controllers accrue, sometimes seeing their salaries pushed beyond $100,000, factoring in both overtime and facility transfer training. The earning landscape shifts depending on where one is employed; positions at FAA en route centers or military air traffic control can offer different compensation levels, with some opting for lower rates in exchange for health benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay, focusing on the full compensation package, including any potential bonuses or training reimbursements, will be key in this local context influenced by the FAA and NATCA presence in NE.
More salary data for Hastings, NE:
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 Hastings. 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 Hastings 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