Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Happy Valley, OR: $75.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Happy Valley, OR runs $75.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $156,074 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Happy Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,650 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Happy Valley, Oregon, the hourly rate for air traffic controllers reaches a median of $75.04, surpassing the national median of $73.02. This competitive hourly pay offers considerable financial incentives, especially for part-time workers who might work three days a week. Such a schedule can yield substantial earnings, especially in typical settings like airport traffic control tower cabs or TRACON facilities, where controllers oversee intense traffic flow. For those just starting in the profession, entry-level positions might begin around $43.52 per hour, while top earners can take home up to $106.06 per hour, presenting a vast range of potential earnings in Happy Valley based on experience and expertise. The hourly figures available are estimates derived from annual salary data, which reflect the dynamics of this critical role in aviation management.
About the Happy Valley 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) | $43.52 | $348.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.02 | $432.19 |
| Median (P50) | $75.04 | $600.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91.83 | $734.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.06 | $848.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Happy Valley
Based on $75.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.04/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Happy Valley, OR can expect to earn approximately $156,084 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,048. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Happy Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Happy Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,001.61 | $13,007 | $156,084 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,800.97 | $7,804 | $93,650 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,200.64 | $5,203 | $62,433 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Happy Valley) | $75.04 |
| 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 Happy Valley, OR earn a median of $156,074 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.76% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.90% below the Oregon state average of $164,115.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.04/hr = $93,650/year (purchasing power: $91,277).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $156,084/year (purchasing power: $152,128).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Happy Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Happy Valley grew 20.4% from $60.76/hr (2019) to $73.16/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.97/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 Happy Valley 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 Happy Valley
Air traffic controllers in Happy Valley who opt for part-time work, typically covering 24 hours weekly, can expect to earn around $92,152 annually given the prevailing median hourly rate. In contrast, many full-time controllers routinely work overtime, significantly boosting their take-home pay beyond base rates, with overtime pay being calculated at 1.5 times the hourly rate. This aspect is pivotal in an industry where chronic understaffing often compels controllers to log 50-60 hours weekly, leading to annual earnings that can exceed $200,000 when factoring in extra hours. Furthermore, the variety of employers in the area—including federal FAA facilities and smaller contract towers—creates a diverse earning potential, with some opportunities offering beneficial health packages at slightly lower hourly rates. For candidates considering per diem air traffic controller pay in Happy Valley, negotiating during the hiring process can yield favorable terms tailored to individual financial goals and lifestyle preferences.
More salary data for Happy Valley, 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 Happy Valley. 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 Happy Valley 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