Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Norfolk, NE: $60.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Norfolk, NE runs $60.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,137 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,076 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Nebraska, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers in 2026 stands at $60.16, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This discrepancy represents the financial landscape air traffic controllers face in this region, especially for part-time roles that may entail working three days a week. Controllers working from various settings such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers will find their hourly compensation impacted by these local conditions. The hourly pay range is quite broad, with entry-level positions earning approximately $35.48 per hour at the 10th percentile and top earners making up to $82.80 per hour at the 90th percentile. Overall, the figures reflect the expected earnings based on annual salary trends and the needs of the aviation sector in Norfolk.
About the Norfolk 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) | $35.48 | $283.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.68 | $357.44 |
| Median (P50) | $60.16 | $481.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.61 | $604.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.80 | $662.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $60.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.16/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, NE can expect to earn approximately $125,127 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,189. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,406.29 | $10,427 | $125,127 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,443.78 | $6,256 | $75,076 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $962.52 | $4,171 | $50,051 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Norfolk) | $60.16 |
| 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 Norfolk, NE earn a median of $125,137 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.61% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $134,412.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.16/hr = $75,076/year (purchasing power: $82,051).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,127/year (purchasing power: $136,751).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Norfolk grew 20.4% from $48.71/hr (2019) to $58.65/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.70/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
For those considering part-time work, the potential comes with some calculations. Controllers working 24 hours a week could take home around $74,000 annually, a figure bolstered by reliable weekly earnings compared to full-time colleagues. However, many controllers thrive on per-diem opportunities or overtime, with reports showing that some at understaffed facilities may clock in 50-60 hours a week, pushing their effective compensation significantly higher as overtime can be paid at 1.5 times the base rate. This reality offers air traffic controllers in Norfolk, NE, an element of negotiation; higher hourly rates without benefits might be attractive for some, while others might prefer the stability of traditional employment with health benefits. The variance in pay can also depend on employer type—whether they work for FAA en route centers, TRACONs, military installations, or contract towers. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for making informed career decisions in this vital field.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Norfolk in 2026?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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