Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Chambersburg, PA: $68.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Chambersburg, PA runs $68.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,458 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Chambersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,869 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, the projected median hourly pay for an air traffic controller is $68.00, slightly below the national median of $73.02. This rate reflects the compensation for professionals who typically work in dynamic environments such as radar facilities and control towers, where they manage and coordinate air traffic. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, earnings can be estimated at around $49,920 annually, which may suffice for a comfortable lifestyle given the area's cost of living index at 97.4, slightly below the national average. Those just starting in this profession may earn as little as $39.45 per hour, while more experienced controllers can reach earnings as high as $92.94, underlining the potential for financial growth within this critical role in air traffic management.
About the Chambersburg Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.45 | $315.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.97 | $391.74 |
| Median (P50) | $68.00 | $544.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.06 | $680.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.94 | $743.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chambersburg
Based on $68.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.00/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chambersburg, PA can expect to earn approximately $141,448 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,605. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chambersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chambersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,720.16 | $11,787 | $141,448 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,632.09 | $7,072 | $84,869 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,088.06 | $4,715 | $56,579 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Chambersburg) | $68.00 |
| 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 Chambersburg, PA earn a median of $141,458 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.87% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $147,969.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.00/hr = $84,869/year (purchasing power: $87,134).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,448/year (purchasing power: $145,224).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Chambersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Chambersburg grew 20.4% from $55.07/hr (2019) to $66.30/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.75/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 Chambersburg 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 Chambersburg
Assessing the earnings of air traffic controllers in Chambersburg reveals varied opportunities based on work arrangements and employer types. A part-time controller working 24 hours a week could take home about $49,920 annually, a stark comparison to full-time counterparts, many of whom work upwards of 50-60 hours weekly. This setup often leads to significant overtime pay. Many controllers in higher-tier facilities gain overtime pay during understaffed shifts, often accumulating $50,000 to $100,000 in additional earnings annually through overtime. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Chambersburg can become lucrative, especially during training or transitions between facilities. Additionally, controllers must weigh hourly rates against benefits when considering job offers; some may opt for positions with lower pay but comprehensive health insurance over higher hourly wages without benefits. Negotiating a favorable hourly rate is essential, especially in an environment impacted by chronic staffing shortages and an impending mandatory retirement age of 56, helping to shape the dynamics of air traffic controller hourly pay in this region.
More salary data for Chambersburg, PA:
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 Chambersburg. 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 Chambersburg 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