Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Coos Bay, OR: $74.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Coos Bay, OR runs $74.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $155,247 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Coos Bay's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,151 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Coos Bay, Oregon, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to be $74.64 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $73.02. This competitive rate reflects the demands of the role across various environments such as FAA air traffic control towers, TRACON radar facilities, and en route centers. For part-time controllers working an average of three days a week, this translates to a stable income that allows for a balanced work-life setup, ideal for those looking to supplement their income. Entry-level positions start around $43.29 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $104.92 per hour, showcasing a robust range in compensation within the community. This hourly pay structure provides a real-time reflection of the high-level responsibilities that air traffic controllers manage daily, ensuring safe and efficient air travel.
About the Coos Bay 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) | $43.29 | $346.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.18 | $441.46 |
| Median (P50) | $74.64 | $597.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.16 | $761.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.92 | $839.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Coos Bay
Based on $74.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.64/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Coos Bay, OR can expect to earn approximately $155,252 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,568. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Coos Bay.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Coos Bay
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,985.61 | $12,938 | $155,252 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,791.36 | $7,763 | $93,151 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,194.24 | $5,175 | $62,101 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Coos Bay) | $74.64 |
| 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 Coos Bay, OR earn a median of $155,247 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.21% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 5.40% below the Oregon state average of $164,109.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.64/hr = $93,151/year (purchasing power: $90,790).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $155,252/year (purchasing power: $151,317).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Coos Bay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Coos Bay grew 20.4% from $60.44/hr (2019) to $72.77/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.56/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 Coos Bay 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 Coos Bay
When examining the earning potential for air traffic controllers who may choose a part-time schedule or pursue per-diem opportunities, their compensation can look quite different. A 24-hour workweek translates to part-time earnings significantly lower than what full-time controllers command, yet it still offers a decent living relative to the local cost of living. Controllers working at understaffed facilities often see hours extending beyond the typical 40-hour workweek, incorporating substantial shift overtime, frequently elevating their actual hourly compensation. Roles with agencies or facilities may involve negotiations for per-diem rates that fluctuate depending on training and staffing needs, though contracting through the FAA is not standard practice. While FAA employees benefit from government health insurance, some find themselves accepting lower hourly rates in exchange for these perks. Understanding the dynamics of hourly negotiations in Coos Bay can empower controllers to maximize their earnings potential, whether they're at the start of their careers or transitioning between roles.
More salary data for Coos Bay, 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 Coos Bay. 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 Coos Bay 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