Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Altus, OK: $61.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Altus, OK runs $61.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,017 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Altus's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,804 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Altus, Oklahoma, the hourly pay for air traffic controllers stands at a median of $61.54, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This financial difference impacts various working scenarios, particularly for those opting for part-time assignments or per diem roles. Controllers typically work in environments such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers. For instance, a part-time air traffic controller working three days a week may find the hourly earnings appealing yet may have to balance fewer hours while still adhering to demanding responsibilities. Entry-level positions start at approximately $35.69 per hour, while top earners can make up to $86.62 per hour, highlighting a broad salary range that reflects both experience and the specific employer within Altus.
About the Altus Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.69 | $285.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.31 | $354.48 |
| Median (P50) | $61.54 | $492.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.09 | $600.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.62 | $692.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Altus
Based on $61.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.54/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Altus, OK can expect to earn approximately $128,007 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,850. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Altus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Altus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,461.68 | $10,667 | $128,007 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,477.01 | $6,400 | $76,804 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $984.67 | $4,267 | $51,203 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Altus) | $61.54 |
| 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 Altus, OK earn a median of $128,017 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.72% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.20% below the Oklahoma state average of $135,039.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.54/hr = $76,804/year (purchasing power: $86,394).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,007/year (purchasing power: $143,990).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Altus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Altus grew 20.4% from $49.83/hr (2019) to $60.00/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.12/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 Altus 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 Altus
Evaluating the financial landscape for air traffic controllers in Altus reveals a promising yet nuanced earnings potential. For those choosing to work part-time, a typical schedule of 24 hours per week translates to approximately $77,177 annually, a substantial sum, yet still less than what a full-time counterpart could achieve. With many positions being understaffed, controllers may also find themselves working 50-60 hours weekly, frequently accruing overtime pay that can significantly boost their effective hourly compensation beyond standard rates. Various employers—ranging from FAA en route centers and TRACONs to military and civilian positions—offer different pay scales and benefits, making the choice a personal one based on lifestyle preferences and benefits versus hourly pay. Some controllers might prefer the stability and health insurance benefits associated with certain employers, even at a lower hourly rate, while others may chase higher hourly compensation without benefits. For those in Altus, practical negotiation around responsibilities and hours worked can be crucial to achieving the desired balance between pay and quality of life.
More salary data for Altus, OK:
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 Altus. 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 Altus 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