Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in North Platte, NE: $60.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in North Platte, NE runs $60.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,946 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against North Platte's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,961 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Platte, NE, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $60.06, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This disparity can affect those considering part-time work, such as controllers working three days a week, who would see a significant impact on their overall income. The hourly wage structure also allows for a range that spans from $35.27 at the lower end (P10) to upwards of $82.51 (P90) for more experienced professionals. This variation illustrates the potential for substantial earnings depending on one's experience level and specific work environment, such as FAA control towers or regional approach facilities. Given the vital nature of their responsibilities within traffic management cells or on radar consoles, air traffic controller hourly pay in North Platte reflects the localized demands of the industry, though still influenced by national averages.
About the North Platte 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) | $35.27 | $282.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.49 | $355.96 |
| Median (P50) | $60.06 | $480.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.39 | $603.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.51 | $660.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Platte
Based on $60.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.06/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Platte, NE can expect to earn approximately $124,935 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,078. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Platte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Platte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,402.60 | $10,411 | $124,935 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,441.56 | $6,247 | $74,961 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $961.04 | $4,165 | $49,974 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (North Platte) | $60.06 |
| 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 North Platte, NE earn a median of $124,946 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.74% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.00% below the Nebraska state average of $134,350.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.06/hr = $74,961/year (purchasing power: $81,925).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,935/year (purchasing power: $136,541).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in North Platte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in North Platte grew 20.4% from $48.64/hr (2019) to $58.56/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.61/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 North Platte 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 North Platte
Examining part-time prospects, an air traffic controller working a three-day week, or 24 hours, can generate a gross annual income of approximately $74,965 based on local hourly rates, significantly lower than a full-time controller's earnings. For those operating under per diem arrangements, economic realities may differ; controllers may negotiate lucrative pay during facility transfer training, with effective earnings rising due to overtime opportunities when working longer hours, often exceeding 50 to 60 hours a week at understaffed facilities. Various employment environments in North Platte, including FAA en route centers, contract towers, and military air traffic control positions, can also influence hourly compensation rates. Some professionals might accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits, such as health insurance, creating a nuanced balance between immediate pay and long-term security. For negotiation, understanding their position within the FG pay scale and recognizing peak hiring periods can aid both current controllers and new applicants in securing favorable pay terms.
More salary data for North Platte, 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 North Platte. 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 North Platte 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