Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Bowling Green, OH: $65.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Bowling Green, OH runs $65.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,883 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Bowling Green's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,130 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bowling Green, Ohio, air traffic controllers can expect a median hourly pay of $65.81, which positions them below the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This rate provides a solid income for part-time workers, especially those choosing to work three days a week, earning a substantial wage that allows for a comfortable living. Per-diem opportunities in environments like airport traffic control towers or TRACON radar facilities can also yield significant income, especially as controller positions are often available in high-demand locations. With the hourly pay ranging from $38.17 at entry-level positions to $91.38 for the most experienced controllers, individuals in this profession can find flexible work arrangements suited to their needs. It’s important to highlight that these figures are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the potential earnings at a competitive and specialized level in air traffic control.
About the Bowling Green 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) | $38.17 | $305.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.39 | $379.10 |
| Median (P50) | $65.81 | $526.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.74 | $661.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.38 | $731.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bowling Green
Based on $65.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.81/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bowling Green, OH can expect to earn approximately $136,883 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,971. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bowling Green.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bowling Green
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,632.36 | $11,407 | $136,883 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,579.41 | $6,844 | $82,130 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,052.94 | $4,563 | $54,753 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Bowling Green) | $65.81 |
| 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 Bowling Green, OH earn a median of $136,883 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.88% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% below the Ohio state average of $137,709.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.81/hr = $82,130/year (purchasing power: $90,551).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,883/year (purchasing power: $150,918).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bowling Green (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Bowling Green grew 20.4% from $53.29/hr (2019) to $64.16/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.50/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 Bowling Green 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 Bowling Green
Looking beyond the basic figures, part-time air traffic controllers working under the typical 24-hour week could take home an annual income approximating $85,000, a figure that provides stability without the full-time commitment. The nature of the job often results in controllers working overtime, particularly in understaffed facilities; many end up clocking 50 to 60 hours a week, effectively increasing their hourly compensation dramatically. For those considering per diem air traffic controller pay in Bowling Green, negotiations can lead to advantageous rates that incorporate necessary training transfers. Additionally, differences in hourly rates can emerge based on the type of employer—those working with the FAA at en route centers or communication approach control can earn significantly more than their counterparts in smaller contract towers. For controllers, weighing the benefits of higher pay against potential health insurance options is a crucial aspect of job selection, making it necessary for individuals to consider both immediate compensation and long-term security during negotiations.
More salary data for Bowling Green, OH:
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 Bowling Green. 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 Bowling Green 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