Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Mesquite, NV: $67.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Mesquite, NV runs $67.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,407 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Mesquite's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,242 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mesquite, Nevada, the expected air traffic controller hourly pay for 2026 is projected at $67.50, which is about 7.56% lower than the national average hourly rate of $73.02. This median rate presents opportunities for those considering part-time roles, perhaps working three days a week, allowing these professionals to balance work with other commitments while still earning a competitive wage. The range of hourly pay spans from $39.15 for entry-level positions to as much as $94.14 for those in the highest echelons of the field. Understandably, rates are derived from annual salaries, meaning they reflect the typical environments air traffic controllers operate in, such as en route centers and airport control towers, where they coordinate traffic in various high-pressure situations.
About the Mesquite 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) | $39.15 | $313.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.94 | $407.49 |
| Median (P50) | $67.50 | $540.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.10 | $664.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.14 | $753.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mesquite
Based on $67.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.50/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mesquite, NV can expect to earn approximately $140,403 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,002. With a cost-of-living index of 98.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mesquite.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mesquite
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,700.05 | $11,700 | $140,403 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,620.03 | $7,020 | $84,242 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,080.02 | $4,680 | $56,161 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Mesquite) | $67.50 |
| 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 Mesquite, NV earn a median of $140,407 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.56% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 6.00% below the Nevada state average of $149,369.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.50/hr = $84,242/year (purchasing power: $85,699).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,403/year (purchasing power: $142,831).
CoL index: 98.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Mesquite (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Mesquite grew 20.4% from $54.66/hr (2019) to $65.81/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.24/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 Mesquite 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 Mesquite
Considering the nuances of hourly compensation, part-time air traffic controllers in Mesquite, working 24 hours per week, can expect to take home a significantly lower annual income compared to full-time counterparts, despite maintaining a desirable work-life balance. In this profession, many controllers work excessive hours, often exceeding 50-60 hours a week, particularly in understaffed facilities, which can inflate their effective hourly compensation through overtime pay—sometimes reaching upwards of $50k to $100k in extra income. The variation in pay is also influenced by the employer type, as federal facilities like FAA en route centers or TRACONs typically offer stability, while FAA contract towers may provide higher hourly pay without benefits. This decision to accept potentially lower hourly wages at federal jobs comes with trade-offs, as health insurance and job security are often more favorable than in private contracts. Negotiating effectively in Mesquite might involve emphasizing your skill set and readiness to work flexible hours during peak traffic seasons, making you a competitive candidate for desired positions.
More salary data for Mesquite, 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 Mesquite. 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 Mesquite 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