Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Norristown, PA: $68.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Norristown, PA runs $68.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,286 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Norristown's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,970 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Norristown, Pennsylvania, receive a median hourly rate of $68.89. This figure is slightly lower than the national median of $73.02, reflecting the specific labor market dynamics within the region. For those entering the field or working part-time, such as those on a schedule of three days per week, this position offers a solid earning potential. At the lower end, entry-level controllers may earn about $39.95, while top earners can see pay rise to approximately $94.47 per hour. These estimates stem from annual salary data, showcasing a pay range that offers substantial opportunities for dedicated workers at en route centers, terminal control facilities, and airport traffic control towers in this area.
About the Norristown 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) | $39.95 | $319.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.01 | $408.06 |
| Median (P50) | $68.89 | $551.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.05 | $688.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.47 | $755.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norristown
Based on $68.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.89/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norristown, PA can expect to earn approximately $143,283 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,663. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norristown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norristown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,755.44 | $11,940 | $143,283 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,653.26 | $7,164 | $85,970 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,102.18 | $4,776 | $57,313 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Norristown) | $68.89 |
| 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 Norristown, PA earn a median of $143,286 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.66% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.10% below the Pennsylvania state average of $147,870.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.89/hr = $85,970/year (purchasing power: $88,265).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,283/year (purchasing power: $147,108).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Norristown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Norristown grew 20.4% from $55.78/hr (2019) to $67.16/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.66/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 Norristown 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 Norristown
For part-time controllers working a 3-day week, the implications of hourly pay can lead to significant variations in annual income, especially when compared to full-time counterparts. In a typical year, a part-time air traffic controller could take home around $85,000, while those working full-time often earn more due to the potential for overtime—often 1.5 times the base rate. This extra income stream can dramatically boost earnings, especially in understaffed facilities where many controllers clock 50-60 hours a week, allowing for earnings exceeding $200,000 with overtime alone. Notably, the nature of employment varies between FAA-operated facilities and contractor-staffed control towers, affecting both job stability and hourly compensation. Controllers with a preference for benefits may accept slightly lower hourly rates, prioritizing health insurance and retirement plans over higher pay without such advantages. Negotiation strategies specific to hourly workers in Norristown should consider the balance of pay versus benefits, addressing the unique requirements and realities of the FAA’s pension and health insurance offerings.
More salary data for Norristown, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Norristown in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Norristown?
Are air traffic controllers in Norristown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Norristown?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Norristown?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 Norristown. 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 Norristown 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