Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Central Point, OR: $74.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Central Point, OR runs $74.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $155,567 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Central Point's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,343 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Central Point, Oregon, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $74.79, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $73.02. This compelling figure reflects considerable earning potential for both part-time controllers working various shifts and per-diem employees within the region’s en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. For controllers who might opt for a part-time schedule, typically three days per week, this hourly rate can translate to substantial earnings even without full-time status. The projected hourly pay spans from $43.38 for entry-level positions to $100.97 for those at the top of their game, indicating a dynamic range based on experience and specific duties undertaken in control rooms, radar facilities, and classroom settings at the FAA Academy.
About the Central Point 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) | $43.38 | $347.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.85 | $430.79 |
| Median (P50) | $74.79 | $598.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.77 | $742.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.97 | $807.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Central Point
Based on $74.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.79/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Central Point, OR can expect to earn approximately $155,572 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,753. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Central Point.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Central Point
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,991.76 | $12,964 | $155,572 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,795.06 | $7,779 | $93,343 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,196.70 | $5,186 | $62,229 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Central Point) | $74.79 |
| 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 Central Point, OR earn a median of $155,567 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.42% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 5.20% below the Oregon state average of $164,100.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.79/hr = $93,343/year (purchasing power: $90,978).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $155,572/year (purchasing power: $151,629).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Central Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Central Point grew 20.4% from $60.56/hr (2019) to $72.92/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.72/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 Central Point 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 Central Point
Beyond the straightforward hourly pay, the financial reality for air traffic controllers in Central Point can be even more lucrative through overtime and per-diem opportunities. Controllers often find themselves working 50-60 hours a week due to chronic staffing shortages, providing a unique chance to significantly boost their income with additional pay at 1.5x base rates. For instance, those who work extra hours can see a marked increase in total earnings, with some controllers making an additional $50k to $100k per year from overtime alone. Additionally, the varying pay scales among different types of employers influence these rates significantly. Controllers working at FAA en route centers may earn differently compared to those at contract towers or military facilities. While some might prioritize securing health benefits at the cost of a slightly lower hourly wage, others may prefer higher pay that comes without benefits. Negotiating effectively in Central Point often hinges on understanding these trade-offs and leveraging one’s specific circumstances to secure desirable compensation arrangements.
More salary data for Central Point, OR:
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 Central Point. 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 Central Point 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