Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Hamilton, OH: $66.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Hamilton, OH runs $66.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,818 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Hamilton's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,693 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hamilton, Ohio, air traffic controllers receive a median hourly pay of $66.26, which is notably lower than the national average of $73.02. This pay structure has implications for both full-time and part-time workers in various settings, including en route centers and airport traffic control towers. Controllers operating in these environments frequently rely on their hourly wage as a foundation for their earnings, especially when part-time schedules of three days a week translate to substantial take-home amounts. With an hourly range starting at $38.43 for entry-level positions and peaking at $99.46 for the highest earners, the prospects for air traffic controller hourly pay in Hamilton reflect a competitive landscape. These figures are projected using estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and highlight the importance of situational variables like workplace setting and experience level in determining compensation.
About the Hamilton 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) | $38.43 | $307.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.71 | $381.64 |
| Median (P50) | $66.26 | $530.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.53 | $668.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.46 | $795.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hamilton
Based on $66.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.26/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hamilton, OH can expect to earn approximately $137,821 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,512. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hamilton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hamilton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,650.41 | $11,485 | $137,821 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,590.25 | $6,891 | $82,693 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,060.16 | $4,594 | $55,129 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Hamilton) | $66.26 |
| 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 Hamilton, OH earn a median of $137,818 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.26% lower than the national median of $151,886.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.26/hr = $82,693/year (purchasing power: $91,172).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,821/year (purchasing power: $151,953).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hamilton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Hamilton grew 20.4% from $53.65/hr (2019) to $64.60/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.96/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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton
For air traffic controllers contemplating employment patterns, part-time work can result in significant annual earnings while offering flexibility. A controller working three 8-hour shifts weekly could potentially earn over $82,500 annually, showcasing the strong compensation even on a reduced schedule. Additionally, per diem air traffic controller pay in Hamilton can be lucrative, particularly for those engaging in overtime. Controllers often work beyond standard hours, with many logging 50-60 hours a week, allowing their effective hourly compensation to soar well above the base rate. Moreover, as hourly pay may vary significantly depending on the employer type, controllers in FAA en route centers generally enjoy higher compensation compared to those in FAA contract towers. Controllers who prioritize benefits must weigh their hourly pay against potential health insurance and retirement options. Understanding the local job market dynamics in Hamilton can guide air traffic controllers in negotiating their hourly salaries effectively, ensuring they secure not only competitive pay but also desirable working conditions.
More salary data for Hamilton, 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 Hamilton. 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 Hamilton 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