Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in New Castle, PA: $68.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in New Castle, PA runs $68.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,535 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against New Castle's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,920 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Castle, Pennsylvania, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to be $68.04 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This hourly rate reflects a significant opportunity for both part-time and per-diem workers within the profession. For those who choose to work three days a week, they can anticipate earnings that allow for a comfortable lifestyle, especially given the extensive training and skill requirements associated with air traffic control. The hourly pay range in New Castle varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting around $39.47 and experienced controllers at the top earning levels making up to $90.72. These projections are based on compensation trends that often reflect annual salary data while emphasizing the unique hourly dynamics of the job.
About the New Castle 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) | $39.47 | $315.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.27 | $410.20 |
| Median (P50) | $68.04 | $544.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.71 | $669.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.72 | $725.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Castle
Based on $68.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.04/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Castle, PA can expect to earn approximately $141,533 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,654. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Castle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Castle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,721.80 | $11,794 | $141,533 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,633.08 | $7,077 | $84,920 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,088.72 | $4,718 | $56,613 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (New Castle) | $68.04 |
| 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 New Castle, PA earn a median of $141,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.81% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.30% below the Pennsylvania state average of $147,895.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.04/hr = $84,920/year (purchasing power: $87,187).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,533/year (purchasing power: $145,312).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in New Castle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in New Castle grew 20.4% from $55.10/hr (2019) to $66.34/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.79/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 New Castle 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 New Castle
When considering their long-term options, air traffic controllers working in New Castle have considerable flexibility in part-time arrangements. For instance, a controller working 24 hours weekly could earn significantly less annually than a full-time counterpart, but still maintain a reasonable work-life balance. Per diem air traffic controller pay in New Castle, especially during facility transfers or training sessions, can be negotiated based on specific needs. Controllers often experience a strong incentive to work overtime, as they can earn time-and-a-half, allowing many to accumulate annual earnings well into six figures when understaffed conditions necessitate longer hours. Salary variations across different employer types—such as FAA en route centers, TRACON facilities, military bases, and contracted airport towers—affect hourly earnings. Those opting for FAA roles can frequently secure more extensive benefits, while others may forgo hourly pay for higher rates without additional perks. Successful negotiation often hinges on these nuances in pay structures and the demand for air traffic controllers across New Castle and beyond.
More salary data for New Castle, PA:
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 New Castle. 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 New Castle 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