Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Lancaster, OH: $65.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Lancaster, OH runs $65.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,841 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,104 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lancaster, Ohio, the projected 2026 air traffic controller hourly pay stands at $65.79, which is below the national hourly median of $73.02. This hourly rate reflects a range from $38.16 at the entry-level to $93.64 for experienced professionals. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this could translate into considerable earnings while providing flexibility. In typical environments such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON radar facilities near major airports, and airport traffic control towers, controllers operate in intense settings that require focus and precision. Given the specialized nature of air traffic management, the hourly estimates are derived from annual salaries, and they affirm that even within Lancaster, competitive pay is offered to those managing complex air traffic situations.
About the Lancaster 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) | $38.16 | $305.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.37 | $378.93 |
| Median (P50) | $65.79 | $526.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.11 | $672.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.64 | $749.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $65.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.79/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, OH can expect to earn approximately $136,840 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,946. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,631.54 | $11,403 | $136,840 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,578.92 | $6,842 | $82,104 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,052.61 | $4,561 | $54,736 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Lancaster) | $65.79 |
| 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 Lancaster, OH earn a median of $136,841 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.91% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% below the Ohio state average of $137,805.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.79/hr = $82,104/year (purchasing power: $90,523).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,840/year (purchasing power: $150,871).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Lancaster grew 20.4% from $53.27/hr (2019) to $64.14/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.48/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Lancaster reveals intriguing financial dynamics. If a controller works a typical 24-hour week across three days, their annual take-home significantly differs from full-time peers, especially in a context where many work overtime. With a culture of extended shifts, controllers frequently log 50 to 60 hours per week, allowing them to benefit substantially from overtime pay, which can boost effective hourly compensation beyond base rates. Different employers, such as FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and airport control towers, create varying pay scales that influence pay structures, including agencies and contractors operating at smaller airports. Although some controllers may settle for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, others prioritize higher pay without such perks. Understanding negotiation strategies specific to the Lancaster area can empower air traffic controllers to advocate effectively for their worth in a fluctuating job market shaped by chronic staffing challenges and ongoing demands on the workforce.
More salary data for Lancaster, 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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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