Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Pittsburgh, PA: $73.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Pittsburgh, PA runs $73.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $152,270 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Pittsburgh's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $75.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $91,359 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pittsburgh, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to be $73.20 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $73.02. This competitive rate is particularly advantageous for part-time and per-diem workers, who often find themselves in the unique environments of en route centers, TRACONs, and airport traffic control towers. For those working three days a week, this hourly compensation allows for a solid income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. Moreover, the hourly pay can vary significantly, ranging from $42.46 at the entry-level to $110.94 for the top 10% of earners. As these figures are derived from annual salary data, they provide a clear insight into the financial landscape for air traffic controllers in Pittsburgh, PA.
About the Pittsburgh 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) | $42.46 | $339.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.71 | $421.69 |
| Median (P50) | $73.20 | $585.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93.71 | $749.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110.94 | $887.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pittsburgh
Based on $73.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.20/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pittsburgh, PA can expect to earn approximately $152,265 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,845. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pittsburgh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pittsburgh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,928.17 | $12,689 | $152,265 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,756.90 | $7,613 | $91,359 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,171.27 | $5,075 | $60,906 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Pittsburgh) | $73.20 |
| 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 Pittsburgh, PA earn a median of $152,270 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.25% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.90% above the Pennsylvania state average of $147,979.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.20/hr = $91,359/year (purchasing power: $93,798).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $152,265/year (purchasing power: $156,329).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$59.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pittsburgh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Pittsburgh grew 20.4% from $59.28/hr (2019) to $71.37/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $75.09/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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh
While full-time controllers typically enjoy great stability, those working part-time earn the potential to bring home substantial income. For instance, a three-day workweek results in annual earnings that can still be significant yet varies depending on hours logged. Given the current industry staffing shortages, many controllers find themselves working overtime, with opportunities for extra pay significantly raising their effective hourly compensation. Facilities such as the FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and contract towers yield differing earning potentials. Additionally, contract roles may offer higher hourly rates without benefits, creating a trade-off for controllers who prioritize health insurance. Those seeking per diem air traffic controller pay in Pittsburgh can benefit from training assignments where pay is negotiable, allowing for varied compensation brackets. For industry professionals, negotiating tips can often hinge on showcasing experience and current market demands, critical in a field known for its chronic understaffing.
More salary data for Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh 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