Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Reno, NV: $73.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Reno, NV runs $73.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $153,592 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Reno's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $75.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $92,152 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Reno, Nevada, air traffic controllers can expect a median hourly pay of $73.84, which is slightly above the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This rate reflects the responsibilities taken on by controllers, who typically work in environments like en route center radar consoles in dim control rooms or in airport traffic control towers overseeing bustling airport operations. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this translates to a stable income, while per-diem roles can offer flexibility and competitive pay in varied settings such as TRACON facilities and FAA training centers. Entry-level positions start around $42.83 per hour, while experienced controllers can earn as much as $114.46 per hour, highlighting significant potential for financial growth based on experience and position.
About the Reno 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) | $42.83 | $342.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.16 | $425.30 |
| Median (P50) | $73.84 | $590.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.52 | $756.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114.46 | $915.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Reno
Based on $73.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.84/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Reno, NV can expect to earn approximately $153,587 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,608. With a cost-of-living index of 98.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Reno.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Reno
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,953.61 | $12,799 | $153,587 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,772.16 | $7,679 | $92,152 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,181.44 | $5,120 | $61,435 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Reno) | $73.84 |
| 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 Reno, NV earn a median of $153,592 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.12% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.90% above the Nevada state average of $149,264.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.84/hr = $92,152/year (purchasing power: $93,746).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $153,587/year (purchasing power: $156,244).
CoL index: 98.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$59.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Reno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $71.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Reno grew 20.4% from $59.79/hr (2019) to $71.99/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $75.74/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 Reno 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 Reno
Exploring part-time earnings for air traffic controllers reveals a notable distinction when compared to full-time roles. A controller working just three days a week may take home about $57,577 annually, which can be appealing for professionals seeking work-life balance. In contrast, many who work full-time or engage in per-diem opportunities experience a significantly different financial situation. For instance, Controllers commonly work overtime, often exceeding 50-60 hours per week, which can dramatically elevate their effective hourly compensation, sometimes exceeding base rates. Employment settings in Reno can also impact earnings considerably; positions within FAA en route centers or busy terminal facilities often command higher hourly rates compared to smaller contract towers. Furthermore, controllers must navigate the trade-off between opting for higher hourly pay without benefits and lower rates supplemented by employer-provided health insurance. Given the persistent understaffing in the sector, negotiating for premium hourly pay may also hinge on one’s specific experience and the current demand for controllers at various facilities.
More salary data for Reno, 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 Reno. 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 Reno 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