Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Xenia, OH: $62.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Xenia, OH runs $62.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,554 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Xenia's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,328 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Xenia, Ohio can expect a median hourly pay of $62.76 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $73.02 per hour. This pay rate reflects the responsibilities associated with controlling air traffic, whether at en route centers or airport control towers. For those considering part-time work, such as a 3-day workweek, earnings can accumulate substantially in this profession. The total pay can vary significantly, ranging from an entry-level rate of $36.40 up to $87.32 for the most experienced controllers. This extensive range illustrates the opportunities available to those who can manage the demands of the job, with higher pay generally linked to experience and specific job settings like TRACON facilities or the FAA Academy.
About the Xenia 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) | $36.40 | $291.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.19 | $361.54 |
| Median (P50) | $62.76 | $502.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.20 | $633.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.32 | $698.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Xenia
Based on $62.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.76/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Xenia, OH can expect to earn approximately $130,546 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,315. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Xenia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Xenia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,510.50 | $10,879 | $130,546 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,506.30 | $6,527 | $78,328 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,004.20 | $4,352 | $52,218 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Xenia) | $62.76 |
| 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 Xenia, OH earn a median of $130,554 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.04% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.20% below the Ohio state average of $137,715.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.76/hr = $78,328/year (purchasing power: $86,359).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,546/year (purchasing power: $143,932).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Xenia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Xenia grew 20.4% from $50.82/hr (2019) to $61.19/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.38/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 Xenia 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 Xenia
For part-time air traffic controllers working in Xenia, a typical 3-day work schedule (24 hours) can lead to notable earnings, especially when factoring in potential overtime compensation that many controllers encounter. Those working full-time often earn significantly more annually, but part-time roles can still yield a compelling income. In addition, per diem air traffic controller pay in Xenia often varies based on the type of facility; controllers at FAA en route centers may enjoy higher baseline compensation compared to those at smaller contract towers. Many positions provide options for overtime, which can substantially boost take-home pay, sometimes reaching an additional $50,000 to $100,000 annually, relevant in a context where staffing shortages require controllers to cover extra shifts. Ultimately, controllers must weigh the benefits of health insurance and retirement against offered hourly rates when considering job changes, with practical negotiation tips being crucial for those looking to maximize hourly pay while navigating their career options in Xenia, OH.
More salary data for Xenia, 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 Xenia. 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 Xenia 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