Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Hilliard, OH: $62.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Hilliard, OH runs $62.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,394 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Hilliard's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,238 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilliard, Ohio, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $62.69, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate translates to diverse opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in environments such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities near major airports, and airport control tower cabs. With entry-level positions starting at about $36.36 per hour and top earners hitting $87.23, there is significant potential for career advancement in air traffic control. The hourly wages are primarily derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting a competitive yet challenging market for controllers in Hilliard, where a cost of living index of 90.7 suggests that residents enjoy a slightly lower living cost compared to national averages.
About the Hilliard 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) | $36.36 | $290.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.14 | $361.13 |
| Median (P50) | $62.69 | $501.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.93 | $631.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.23 | $697.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilliard
Based on $62.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.69/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilliard, OH can expect to earn approximately $130,397 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,229. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hilliard.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilliard
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,507.63 | $10,866 | $130,397 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,504.58 | $6,520 | $78,238 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,003.05 | $4,347 | $52,159 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Hilliard) | $62.69 |
| 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 Hilliard, OH earn a median of $130,394 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.15% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.30% below the Ohio state average of $137,692.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.69/hr = $78,238/year (purchasing power: $86,260).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,397/year (purchasing power: $143,767).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hilliard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Hilliard grew 20.4% from $50.76/hr (2019) to $61.12/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.30/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 Hilliard 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 Hilliard
Examining the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Hilliard reveals that working just three days a week can yield substantial take-home pay, although total annual earnings will naturally fall short of those for full-time employees. Many controllers opt for per-diem contracts, which often become appealing, especially given the possibility of overtime. In understaffed facilities, controllers may regularly clock 50 to 60 hours per week, leading to effective hourly compensation that far exceeds the base rates. Job types significantly influence hourly rates, with responsibilities spanning from FAA en route centers to military air traffic control roles. While some may choose positions with lower hourly wages for the benefits they offer, others might prioritize higher rates without health insurance. Negotiating for competitive rates can be crucial in a market where flexibility and opportunities for higher hours can play a key role in maximizing earnings in this rewarding field.
More salary data for Hilliard, 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 Hilliard. 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 Hilliard 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