Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Tulsa, OK: $67.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Tulsa, OK runs $67.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,172 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Tulsa's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $75.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,101 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tulsa, Oklahoma, air traffic controllers command a competitive hourly rate of $67.39, which is lower than the national median of $73.02. This difference highlights the local market dynamics and the cost of living index of 88.9, which is below the national average. For part-time controllers working three days a week, the hourly pay translates to a significant earning potential. Many find themselves working in varied environments, including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. The hourly wage can range from $39.09 for entry-level positions to $103.32 for the top 10% of earners. Note that these figures are derived from annual salaries, providing a more comprehensive understanding of what air traffic controller hourly pay looks like in Tulsa for those considering this career path.
About the Tulsa 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) | $39.09 | $312.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.53 | $388.21 |
| Median (P50) | $67.39 | $539.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.26 | $690.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.32 | $826.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tulsa
Based on $67.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.39/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tulsa, OK can expect to earn approximately $140,168 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,866. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tulsa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tulsa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,695.54 | $11,681 | $140,168 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,617.32 | $7,008 | $84,101 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,078.22 | $4,672 | $56,067 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Tulsa) | $67.39 |
| 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 Tulsa, OK earn a median of $140,172 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.71% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.80% above the Oklahoma state average of $135,041.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.39/hr = $84,101/year (purchasing power: $94,602).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,168/year (purchasing power: $157,669).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Tulsa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Tulsa grew 38.3% from $47.52/hr (2019) to $65.70/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.12/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 Tulsa 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 Tulsa
For part-time air traffic controllers, working a three-day week totals 24 hours, which means consistent earnings while allowing for flexibility. When examining the financial benefits of working in this profession as a per-diem air traffic controller in Tulsa, the appeal lies in the potential for overtime compensation – often at 1.5 times the base rate. Many certified professional controllers (CPCs) handle understaffing by regularly working 50-60 hours each week, allowing some to see annual compensation soar by an additional $50,000 to $100,000 through overtime. Furthermore, while the FAA remains a primary employer in the area, controllers also have opportunities in military and contract towers, where pay can vary significantly. The trade-off between hourly pay and benefits can influence career decisions; some controllers may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health insurance, while others prefer higher pay despite forfeiting benefits. Negotiation skills are essential, especially in a field experiencing continual staffing shortages and heightened demand for qualified professionals.
More salary data for Tulsa, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Oklahoma
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 Tulsa. 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 Tulsa 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