Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Reading, PA: $70.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Reading, PA runs $70.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,854 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Reading's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,506 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controller hourly pay in Reading, Pennsylvania is projected to be $70.12, slightly below the national median of $73.02. For air traffic controllers working part-time, such as three days a week, this equates to a significant earning potential while still allowing for a flexible schedule. Controllers often operate in specialized environments—like en route center radar consoles and TRACON facilities—that necessitate high levels of concentration. Within Reading, hourly wages vary widely, ranging from approximately $40.67 for entry-level employees to as high as $103.22 for top earners. These figures highlight the rewarding nature of the profession, as controllers can expect their pay to reflect both experience and the complexity of their responsibilities.
About the Reading 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) | $40.67 | $325.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.48 | $403.88 |
| Median (P50) | $70.12 | $560.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.76 | $718.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.22 | $825.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Reading
Based on $70.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.12/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Reading, PA can expect to earn approximately $145,843 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,140. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Reading.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Reading
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,804.67 | $12,154 | $145,843 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,682.80 | $7,292 | $87,506 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,121.87 | $4,861 | $58,337 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Reading) | $70.12 |
| 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 Reading, PA earn a median of $145,854 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.97% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $147,924.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.12/hr = $87,506/year (purchasing power: $89,842).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,843/year (purchasing power: $149,736).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Reading (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Reading grew 20.4% from $56.78/hr (2019) to $68.36/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.92/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 Reading 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 Reading
Part-time controllers with a weekly commitment of 24 hours could take home an estimated annual income of around $87,595, which underscores a stable earning path when compared to full-time colleagues. Many air traffic controllers engage in per diem roles or agency work, which can lead to substantial overtime pay; it’s not uncommon for controllers in understaffed facilities to clock in 50-60 hours a week, significantly boosting their earnings. Overtime compensation, calculated at 1.5 times their base hourly rate, can contribute substantial extra income, sometimes resulting in total annual compensation exceeding $100,000. In Reading, hourly rates may fluctuate depending on whether controllers are employed by FAA ARTCCs, TRACONs, or contract towers; each facility type offers distinct compensation structures and benefits packages. For some, the allure of higher hourly rates without health insurance pushes them to accept positions with lower salaries that provide benefits. When negotiating, controllers should factor in not only the base pay but also the comprehensive value of benefits, strategically aligning their career choices with long-term financial goals.
More salary data for Reading, 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 Reading. 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 Reading 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