Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in York, PA: $67.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in York, PA runs $67.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,162 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against York's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,702 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For air traffic controllers in York, Pennsylvania, the projected median hourly rate is $67.87, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This pay may influence part-time controllers, who typically work three days a week, allowing them to earn a stable income while balancing other commitments. Those taking on per-diem positions in en route centers, terminal radar facilities, or airport towers can encounter varying rates; with entry-level controllers earning around $39.37 and seasoned professionals potentially making up to $95.47. The estimates derive from annual salary data, reflecting both the challenging environments of dimly lit control rooms and the bustling activity of airport traffic towers, where attention to detail is paramount.
About the York 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) | $39.37 | $314.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.03 | $392.23 |
| Median (P50) | $67.87 | $542.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.87 | $694.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.47 | $763.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in York
Based on $67.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.87/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in York, PA can expect to earn approximately $141,171 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,445. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in York.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in York
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,714.82 | $11,764 | $141,171 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,628.89 | $7,059 | $84,702 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,085.93 | $4,706 | $56,468 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (York) | $67.87 |
| 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 York, PA earn a median of $141,162 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.06% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $147,969.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.87/hr = $84,702/year (purchasing power: $86,964).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,171/year (purchasing power: $144,939).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in York (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in York grew 20.4% from $54.96/hr (2019) to $66.17/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.61/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 York 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 York
Exploring the financial landscape of part-time and per-diem air traffic controller pay in York reveals intriguing patterns. A controller working 24 hours a week could take home about $84,475 annually, a respectable figure but far from the earning potential of full-timers who often secure overtime. Controllers at understaffed facilities may clock in upwards of 50 to 60 hours a week, significantly boosting their effective hourly compensation, allowing many to surpass $50,000 to $100,000 in annual overtime alone. The type of employer also plays a critical role in pay rates. FAA-controlled environments typically offer more benefits alongside potential for growth compared to contract towers, which might provide higher hourly pay but with fewer perks. For those negotiating their contracts, an understanding of these dynamics is vital, especially regarding the trade-off between higher hourly wages and benefits like health insurance, which some might need to consider as they plan their careers in air traffic control in York, PA.
More salary data for York, 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 York. 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 York 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