Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Athens, OH: $61.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Athens, OH runs $61.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,822 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Athens's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,689 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Athens, Ohio, the average hourly pay for air traffic controllers is projected to reach $61.45 in 2026, a rate that falls below the national median of $73.02. This discrepancy highlights the potential financial considerations for those operating as part-time controllers or per diem workers within various air traffic control environments. Controllers typically work at en route centers, TRACON facilities, airport control towers, or educational settings like the FAA Academy. Entry-level positions might start at an hourly rate of $35.64, while experienced controllers can earn upwards of $84.16. Such rates provide a picture of not only the earnings potential based on experience but also the diverse settings in which air traffic controllers apply their skills. The local cost of living index in Athens, standing at 90.7, further contextualizes this hourly pay landscape, suggesting that controllers can reasonably expect their salaries to reflect regional economic conditions.
About the Athens Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.64 | $285.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.25 | $353.99 |
| Median (P50) | $61.45 | $491.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.97 | $615.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.16 | $673.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Athens
Based on $61.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.45/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Athens, OH can expect to earn approximately $127,815 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,740. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Athens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Athens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,457.99 | $10,651 | $127,815 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,474.79 | $6,391 | $76,689 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $983.19 | $4,261 | $51,126 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Athens) | $61.45 |
| 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 Athens, OH earn a median of $127,822 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.84% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.20% below the Ohio state average of $137,739.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.45/hr = $76,689/year (purchasing power: $84,553).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,815/year (purchasing power: $140,921).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Athens grew 20.4% from $49.76/hr (2019) to $59.91/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.03/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 Athens 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 Athens
Working part-time as an air traffic controller in Athens involves unique earning potentials, especially when comparing full-time and part-time schedules. For example, a part-time controller working three days a week for 24 hours could potentially take home around $57,969 annually, which contrasts starkly with what full-time colleagues might earn, especially in environments experiencing chronic understaffing. The per diem air traffic controller pay in Athens can be particularly appealing when factoring in the lucrative overtime possibilities. Many certified professional controllers (CPCs) find themselves working 50 to 60 hours a week, with overtime rates pushing earnings significantly above base pay—often reaching $100,000 or more per year. Variations in hourly compensation exist notably between employers; FAA ARTCCs, TRACONs, and contract towers each feature different pay scales and benefits packages. While some controllers might prefer lower hourly rates with the added benefit of health insurance, others seek higher pay without benefits. Negotiating for positions in Athens often requires a clear understanding of these nuances and the local labor market dynamics.
More salary data for Athens, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Athens in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Athens?
Are air traffic controllers in Athens paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Athens?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Athens?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Athens. 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 Athens 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