Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Philadelphia, PA: $97.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Philadelphia, PA runs $97.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $203,694 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Philadelphia's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $95.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $122,221 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Philadelphia, air traffic controllers are positioned to receive a median hourly pay of $97.93, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This competitive hourly wage translates well for part-time controllers working three days a week, allowing them to earn a substantial income while enjoying flexible scheduling. The work environment typically includes dimly lit radar consoles in en route centers, busy TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control) facilities, and control towers with panoramic views. These controllers can expect to earn between $46.51 and $111.29 per hour, depending on their experience and skill level, making air traffic controller hourly pay in Philadelphia appealing for individuals seeking a rewarding career in aviation management. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS projections for 2026, reflects the lucrative opportunities available in this essential occupation.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.51 | $372.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.76 | $526.06 |
| Median (P50) | $97.93 | $783.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108.08 | $864.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111.29 | $890.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Philadelphia
Based on $97.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $97.93/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Philadelphia, PA can expect to earn approximately $203,702 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $117,521. With a cost-of-living index of 102.55 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Philadelphia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Philadelphia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,917.35 | $16,975 | $203,702 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,350.41 | $10,185 | $122,221 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,566.94 | $6,790 | $81,481 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Philadelphia) | $97.93 |
| 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 Philadelphia, PA earn a median of $203,694 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.11% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 37.70% above the Pennsylvania state average of $147,926.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $97.93/hr = $122,221/year (purchasing power: $119,178).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $203,702/year (purchasing power: $198,629).
CoL index: 102.554 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$72.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$95.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$97.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Philadelphia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $84.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $76.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $79.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $84.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $87.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $95.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Philadelphia grew 32.5% from $72.06/hr (2019) to $95.48/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $100.45/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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia
Part-time air traffic controllers working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual take-home pay that can exceed $152,000, offering a compelling alternative to full-time positions with set hours. The dynamics of per diem and contractual work are also significant, as controllers often benefit from overtime pay, which can elevate their earnings well above the base rates. Many controllers in understaffed facilities routinely clock 50 to 60 hours a week, which can provide an additional $50,000-$100,000 in overtime annually. The earning potential also varies by employer type, with federal FAA facilities, military sectors, and contract towers offering distinct pay structures. While some might opt for positions that provide health insurance at lower rates, others prefer higher hourly pay without benefits. When negotiating hourly pay in Philadelphia, controllers should be aware of these differences and can consider tailoring their requests based on specific employer benefits and job demands for an optimal career trajectory.
More salary data for Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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