Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Fernley, NV: $66.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Fernley, NV runs $66.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,005 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Fernley's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,808 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Fernley, Nevada, can expect a median hourly pay of $66.35 for 2026, which reflects a difference when compared to the national hourly median of $73.02. This pay structure presents diverse opportunities for controllers who work part-time, such as those on a schedule of three days a week at 24 hours, allowing them to maintain a work-life balance while still earning a competitive wage. Per-diem work is another viable option for these professionals, often performed in various settings like en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities. The hourly range in Fernley spans from $38.58 for entry-level positions to $92.67 for highly experienced individuals, highlighting significant earning potential as controllers gain experience and seniority in their roles.
About the Fernley Market
Salary estimated from Nevada average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.58 | $308.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.66 | $389.27 |
| Median (P50) | $66.35 | $530.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.22 | $673.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.67 | $741.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fernley
Based on $66.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.35/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fernley, NV can expect to earn approximately $138,013 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,623. With a cost-of-living index of 98.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fernley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fernley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,654.10 | $11,501 | $138,013 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,592.46 | $6,901 | $82,808 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,061.64 | $4,600 | $55,205 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Fernley) | $66.35 |
| 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 Fernley, NV earn a median of $138,005 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.14% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.60% below the Nevada state average of $149,356.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.35/hr = $82,808/year (purchasing power: $84,240).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,013/year (purchasing power: $140,400).
CoL index: 98.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Fernley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Fernley grew 20.4% from $53.73/hr (2019) to $64.69/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.06/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 Fernley 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 Fernley
For those considering part-time employment in air traffic control, working 24 hours per week would yield considerably different earnings compared to full-time equivalents. While a full-time schedule can lead to overall more substantial pay due to anticipated overtime, many controllers opt for per diem opportunities that offer negotiable rates, especially during facility transfers or for specialized training sessions. Controllers often find themselves in understaffed environments, frequently working 50-60 hours a week, which can push their effective hourly compensation significantly higher during overtime shifts. Additionally, hourly rates often vary across employer types, with FAA en route centers and terminal control facilities offering differing compensation levels from smaller airport towers and military positions. Career choices may entail trade-offs regarding job security, health benefits, and overall pay rates, giving room for strategic negotiation based on individual preferences and priorities in the unique landscape of air traffic controller hourly pay in Fernley.
More salary data for Fernley, NV:
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 Fernley. 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 Fernley 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