Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Edmond, OK: $62.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Edmond, OK runs $62.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,334 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Edmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,200 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Edmond, Oklahoma, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers in 2026 stands at $62.66, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This differential highlights the localized economic factors influencing compensation in this profession. Controllers typically work in various environments, from en route centers to airport towers, and even classroom settings at the FAA Academy. For those opting for part-time roles—specifically those who work three days a week—this hourly figure translates into a tangible income in a community where 25 air traffic controllers are currently employed. Entry-level positions in Edmond start at around $36.34 per hour, while experienced controllers can earn as much as $89.78 per hour, showcasing a clear path for advancement within this demanding field.
About the Edmond 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) | $36.34 | $290.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.12 | $360.96 |
| Median (P50) | $62.66 | $501.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.05 | $640.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.78 | $718.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Edmond
Based on $62.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.66/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Edmond, OK can expect to earn approximately $130,333 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,192. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Edmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Edmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,506.40 | $10,861 | $130,333 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,503.84 | $6,517 | $78,200 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,002.56 | $4,344 | $52,133 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Edmond) | $62.66 |
| 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 Edmond, OK earn a median of $130,334 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.19% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.50% below the Oklahoma state average of $135,061.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.66/hr = $78,200/year (purchasing power: $87,964).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,333/year (purchasing power: $146,606).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Edmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Edmond grew 20.4% from $50.74/hr (2019) to $61.09/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.27/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 Edmond 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 Edmond
When considering the earning potential of part-time air traffic controllers in Edmond, those who work 24 hours a week have an annual take-home considerably lower than their full-time counterparts. The per diem air traffic controller pay in Edmond can fluctuate significantly, especially when factoring in overtime opportunities, which often allow dedicated controllers to earn an additional $50,000 to $100,000 on top of their base pay. Different employer types, such as FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and contract towers, affect hourly rates differently, with federal facilities typically offering better benefits packages, resulting in lower base pay compared to private contracts. For individuals considering agency positions, remaining aware of negotiations for training pay and considering the trade-off between higher hourly rates and job benefits is essential. The aviation sector is witnessing ongoing staffing shortages, driving the demand for qualified controllers willing to work extended hours, often resulting in lucrative compensation packages.
More salary data for Edmond, 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 Edmond. 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 Edmond 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