Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Tualatin, OR: $75.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Tualatin, OR runs $75.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $157,667 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Tualatin's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $94,597 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tualatin, Oregon, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at $75.80, notably higher than the national median of $73.02. This competitive rate positions local controllers well above the national average, allowing for advantageous part-time and per-diem opportunities. For example, a part-time controller working three days a week can earn a substantial income, while those on a per-diem basis have the flexibility to negotiate daily rates based on specific training requirements or facility needs in various settings, such as en route centers or control towers. The hourly compensation ranges from $43.96 for entry-level positions to $110.11 for highly experienced controllers, reflecting the critical nature and varying responsibilities of this role.
About the Tualatin 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) | $43.96 | $351.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.39 | $443.10 |
| Median (P50) | $75.80 | $606.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93.96 | $751.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110.11 | $880.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tualatin
Based on $75.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.80/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tualatin, OR can expect to earn approximately $157,662 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,959. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tualatin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tualatin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,031.97 | $13,139 | $157,662 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,819.18 | $7,883 | $94,597 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,212.79 | $5,255 | $63,065 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Tualatin) | $75.80 |
| 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 Tualatin, OR earn a median of $157,667 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.81% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.90% below the Oregon state average of $164,065.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.80/hr = $94,597/year (purchasing power: $92,200).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $157,662/year (purchasing power: $153,667).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Tualatin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Tualatin grew 20.4% from $61.38/hr (2019) to $73.90/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.75/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 Tualatin 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 Tualatin
Considering part-time work, a Tualatin air traffic controller working 24 hours weekly can expect an annual take-home pay significantly influenced by hours worked and potential overtime opportunities, often resulting in income that rivals full-time peers. Some controllers find themselves pulling overtime, earning effective rates well above base pay, particularly in high-demand environments where understaffing is a concern. Facilities like FAA en route centers and TRACONs often offer varied pay based on employer type, while some may choose positions with less hourly pay in exchange for comprehensive health benefits. For those pursuing per diem air traffic controller pay in Tualatin, understanding the nuances of facility transfer training compensation and effective negotiation strategies can lead to more lucrative outcomes. The landscape of air traffic control compensation is influenced by the federal FG pay scale, emphasizing the importance of career longevity and strategic decision-making, especially in a profession marked by mandatory retirement at age 56.
More salary data for Tualatin, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Tualatin in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Tualatin?
Are air traffic controllers in Tualatin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Tualatin?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Tualatin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 Tualatin. 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 Tualatin 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