Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Keizer, OR: $74.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Keizer, OR runs $74.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $155,515 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Keizer's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,305 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Keizer, Oregon offers an appealing air traffic controller hourly pay of $74.76, slightly above the national hourly median of $73.02. This figure reflects the estimated remuneration for air traffic controllers working across various settings, including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport towers. Such a competitive wage allows for a solid income for both full-time and part-time controllers, with part-time work potential equating to around $56,000 per year for a 3-day workweek. The hourly range for air traffic controllers in the area spans from $43.37 at entry-level positions up to $104.19 for experienced professionals at the top end of the scale, highlighting significant earning potential in this field. The projections for 2026 indicate a robust demand for skilled air traffic controllers, contributing to favorable hourly compensation relative to other occupations in the region.
About the Keizer 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) | $43.37 | $346.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.83 | $430.63 |
| Median (P50) | $74.76 | $598.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.23 | $753.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.19 | $833.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Keizer
Based on $74.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.76/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Keizer, OR can expect to earn approximately $155,508 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,716. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Keizer.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Keizer
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,990.53 | $12,959 | $155,508 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,794.32 | $7,775 | $93,305 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,196.21 | $5,184 | $62,203 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Keizer) | $74.76 |
| 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 Keizer, OR earn a median of $155,515 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.39% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 5.20% below the Oregon state average of $164,045.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.76/hr = $93,305/year (purchasing power: $90,940).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $155,508/year (purchasing power: $151,567).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Keizer (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Keizer grew 20.4% from $60.54/hr (2019) to $72.89/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.68/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 Keizer 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 Keizer
For part-time air traffic controllers in Keizer working three days per week, the earning potential is substantial when compared to a full-time schedule. Regularly securing about $74.76 per hour, controllers working 24 hours weekly can earn approximately $56,000 annually without overtime. However, many air traffic controllers also engage in per-diem work, often taking on additional shifts to alleviate post-sequester staffing shortages. This reality frequently results in controllers clocking in 50-60 hours a week, with overtime pay raising their effective hourly compensation significantly. Agencies and contractors, while offering competitive hourly rates, may forego health benefits, enticing some controllers to opt for traditional roles with the FAA at airport traffic control towers or en route centers for enhanced job security and additional perks. In Keizer, it is essential for controllers to consider their priorities during negotiations; accepting a lower hourly wage for comprehensive health insurance could provide long-term benefits over immediate cash gains without benefits. Overall, the dynamics of the industry and the competitive hourly rates create various opportunities for air traffic controllers to shape their careers effectively.
More salary data for Keizer, 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 Keizer. 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 Keizer 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