Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Elyria, OH: $63.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Elyria, OH runs $63.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,104 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Elyria's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,864 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elyria, Ohio, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to be $63.99 in 2026, which falls about 12.37% below the national hourly median of $73.02. This competitive rate can provide substantial earnings for those working part-time, such as controllers on a typical three-day-a-week schedule, facilitating a balanced work-life dynamic. With an hourly range spanning from $37.12 for entry-level positions up to $91.81 for the most experienced professionals, opportunities abound in various environments including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic towers. This role often involves working in specialized settings—dimly lit control rooms to manage high-altitude traffic or vibrant control towers with panoramic views—making the hourly rates particularly enticing for aspiring controllers. The figures mentioned stem from annual salary estimates, underscoring the financial prospects available within the field.
About the Elyria 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) | $37.12 | $296.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.07 | $368.60 |
| Median (P50) | $63.99 | $511.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.82 | $654.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.81 | $734.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elyria
Based on $63.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.99/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elyria, OH can expect to earn approximately $133,106 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,792. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elyria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elyria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,559.74 | $11,092 | $133,106 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,535.84 | $6,655 | $79,864 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,023.89 | $4,437 | $53,243 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Elyria) | $63.99 |
| 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 Elyria, OH earn a median of $133,104 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.37% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.40% below the Ohio state average of $137,789.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.99/hr = $79,864/year (purchasing power: $88,053).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,106/year (purchasing power: $146,754).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Elyria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Elyria grew 20.4% from $51.82/hr (2019) to $62.39/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.64/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 Elyria 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 Elyria
Understanding the part-time earning potential as an air traffic controller in Elyria reveals insights into overall compensation strategies. A controller working a 24-hour week could expect to take home approximately $49,931 annually, a figure that differs significantly from full-time earnings, allowing individuals to pursue other avenues or commitments. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Elyria introduces another layer of financial opportunity; overtime compensation, often at 1.5 times the base rate, can elevate earnings well over $100,000 for many controllers working at facilities facing staffing challenges. Additionally, hourly rates vary depending on the employer type, with FAA en route centers potentially offering higher wages than FAA contract towers or military positions. Some controllers may opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits, particularly health insurance, which can be a critical factor for many. Negotiating for better pay in Elyria can hinge on showing preparedness to manage the specific demands of the outlined job functions, leveraging the high demand for skilled controllers amidst a backdrop of chronic understaffing.
More salary data for Elyria, 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 Elyria. 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 Elyria 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