Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Bend, OR: $77.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Bend, OR runs $77.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $160,905 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Bend's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,543 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Bend, Oregon, command a median hourly pay of $77.36, which exceeds the national median of $73.02 by approximately 5.94%. This advantageous rate highlights the earning potential available for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis within various operational environments, including en route centers, TRACONs, and control towers. For instance, a part-time controller clocking in three days a week may find themselves poised for opportunities to earn a significantly higher average hourly pay as they navigate dynamic traffic environments. The hourly compensation spans from $44.86 at entry-level positions to $115.83 for top earners, reflecting the experience and responsibility levels associated with each role. These figures are based on annual salary data and serve as a strong incentive for those considering a position in Bend's air traffic control sector.
About the Bend Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.86 | $358.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.70 | $445.56 |
| Median (P50) | $77.36 | $618.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.41 | $779.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.83 | $926.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bend
Based on $77.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.36/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bend, OR can expect to earn approximately $160,905 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,830. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bend.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bend
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,094.33 | $13,409 | $160,905 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,856.60 | $8,045 | $96,543 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,237.73 | $5,364 | $64,362 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Bend) | $77.36 |
| 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 Bend, OR earn a median of $160,905 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.94% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.00% below the Oregon state average of $164,188.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.36/hr = $96,543/year (purchasing power: $94,097).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $160,905/year (purchasing power: $156,828).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bend (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Bend grew 20.4% from $62.64/hr (2019) to $75.42/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.35/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 Bend 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 Bend
The financial landscape for part-time air traffic controllers in Bend can yield compelling annual earnings, especially compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, those working just 24 hours each week may take home a substantial income, although the overtime hours that many controllers accumulate further enhance their overall compensation. With chronic staffing shortages forcing current personnel to work upwards of 60 hours a week, the potential for overtime can lead to gross earnings that reach well above the typical hourly base. The difference in pay can also depend on the employer type: controllers at FAA en route centers often earn more than those at contract towers. Additionally, some air traffic controllers opt for lower-paying positions that come with health benefits, highlighting the trade-offs between hourly rates and comprehensive compensation packages. Those looking to negotiate can benefit from understanding these nuances, as effective negotiation in Bend may hinge on considering both hourly pay and benefits—and leveraging experience and agency during discussions.
More salary data for Bend, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Bend. 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 Bend 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