Air Traffic Controller Salary

Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Westlake, OH: $65.68 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Westlake, OH runs $65.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,595 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Westlake's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,963 per year.

$136,595
Median Annual Salary
$65.68/hr
Hourly Rate
$79,225
Entry Level (P10)
$189,094
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air Traffic Controller Hourly Rate in Westlake, OH — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Westlake, OH air traffic controller hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Westlake, Ohio, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $65.68, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02 per hour. This distinction has implications for part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers who might engage in work settings such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers. With an hourly range stretching from $38.08 for entry-level positions up to $90.91 for top earners, the pay scale allows for a competitive yet varied compensation spectrum based on experience and specific location. As these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, they shed light on the financial prospects within this pivotal role in aviation.

About the Westlake Market

Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$38.08$304.67
Lower Range (P25)$47.28$378.28
Median (P50)$65.68$525.40
Upper Range (P75)$82.40$659.24
Top Earners (P90)$90.91$727.26

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westlake

Based on $65.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a air traffic controller in Westlake earning $65.68/hr would make approximately $78,811 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $136,605 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$78,811Reduced (32 hr/wk)$105,081Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$136,605

At $65.68/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westlake, OH can expect to earn approximately $136,605 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,811. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Westlake.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$525.40
per 8hr shift
$2,627.02
per week
$11,384
per month
$136,605
per year

Schedule Comparison in Westlake

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$2,627.02$11,384$136,605
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,576.21$6,830$81,963
Per Diem (16 hrs)$1,050.81$4,554$54,642

Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Air Traffic Controller (Westlake)$65.68
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing air traffic controller median salary in Westlake ($136,595) with Ohio average ($137,696) and the US national median ($151,886).Westlake$136,595Ohio Avg$137,696-0.80%US National$151,886-10.07%

Air Traffic Controllers in Westlake, OH earn a median of $136,595 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.07% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the Ohio state average of $137,696.

Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $65.68/hr = $81,963/year (purchasing power: $90,367).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,605/year (purchasing power: $150,612).

CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$53.18/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$64.03/hr

2026 Current Est.

$65.68/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+26.7%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Westlake (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for air traffic controllers in Westlake. Baseline $53.18/hr in 2025, projected to $67.36/hr by 2027.$50$55$60$65$702019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$53.18$56.39$56.10$57.19$59.40$57.07$64.03$65.68$67.36
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$53.18/hrActual
2020$56.39/hrActual
2021$56.10/hrActual
2022$57.19/hrActual
2023$59.40/hrActual
2024$57.07/hrActual
2025$64.03/hrActual
2026(current)$65.68/hrEstimated
2027$67.36/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Westlake grew 20.4% from $53.18/hr (2019) to $64.03/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.36/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westlake metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Westlake

Looking closer at the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Westlake, those working three days a week, equivalent to 24 hours, could anticipate significant variations in annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Many controllers find themselves in per-diem roles, which often allows for negotiation on rates, especially during facility transfer training; this flexibility can lead to earnings that reflect not only base salaries but also substantial overtime pay that often elevates their effective hourly compensation. Controllers in understaffed facilities frequently clock anywhere from 50 to 60 hours weekly, earning an additional $50,000 to $100,000 in overtime, which illustrates how the nature of the job can substantially impact take-home totals. Different employer types in Westlake, from FAA en route centers to military air traffic control, present further divergence in hourly compensation as some opt for roles that provide healthcare benefits but with lower pay, while others may choose higher hourly wages that lack these benefits. For controllers, especially those coming from the CTI or military hiring pathways, skillful negotiation regarding per diem air traffic controller pay in Westlake can consequently lead to favorable financial outcomes, all while navigating the complexities of the FAA's various pay scales.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Westlake in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Westlake is $65.68/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). Rates range from $38.08 at entry level (10th percentile) to $90.91 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 10.1% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Westlake?

A part-time air traffic controller working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Westlake earns approximately $6,830/month, or $81,963/year at the median hourly rate of $65.68. Many air traffic controllers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are air traffic controllers in Westlake paid hourly or salary?

The majority of air traffic controllers in Westlake are paid hourly at a median rate of $65.68/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $136,605/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Westlake?

A full-time air traffic controller working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Westlake earns approximately $136,605/year at the median hourly rate of $65.68. This is 10.1% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $189,088/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Westlake?

Part-time and per diem air traffic controllers in Westlake sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $90.91/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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 Westlake. 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 Westlake is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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