Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Mitchell, SD: $60.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Mitchell, SD runs $60.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,977 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Mitchell's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,987 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mitchell, South Dakota, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $60.09, which reflects a 17.72% decrease compared to the national median of $73.02. This rate signifies substantial earning potential for both full-time employees and part-time workers who might operate on a three-day work schedule. In typical settings such as en route centers and airport traffic control towers, controllers manage varying traffic conditions, with hourly pay ranging from $34.85 for entry-level positions to a peak of $81.59 for experienced professionals. With just six air traffic controllers currently employed in the area, those in Mitchell can expect competitive compensation within the context of South Dakota’s overall cost of living index, which sits below the national average.
About the Mitchell Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.85 | $278.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.26 | $346.11 |
| Median (P50) | $60.09 | $480.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.82 | $598.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.59 | $652.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mitchell
Based on $60.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.09/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mitchell, SD can expect to earn approximately $124,978 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,103. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mitchell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mitchell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,403.42 | $10,415 | $124,978 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,442.05 | $6,249 | $74,987 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $961.37 | $4,166 | $49,991 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Mitchell) | $60.09 |
| 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 Mitchell, SD earn a median of $124,977 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.80% below the South Dakota state average of $131,279.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.09/hr = $74,987/year (purchasing power: $80,805).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,978/year (purchasing power: $134,674).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Mitchell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Mitchell grew 20.4% from $48.65/hr (2019) to $58.58/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.63/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 Mitchell 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 Mitchell
While many air traffic controllers in Mitchell may work part-time, a three-day workweek of 24 hours could yield a significant annual income when compared to a full-time schedule. Part-time controllers, leveraging the possibility of earning additional income through overtime, can see their effective earnings soar beyond traditional base pay. Given that a portion of controllers may work up to 60 hours per week, the impact of "time and a half" for overtime can drastically elevate their yearly earnings, often surpassing $100,000. Additionally, per diem air traffic controller pay in Mitchell can be negotiated during training transfers. It’s crucial to recognize how hourly rates differ among employers; FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and both military and civilian FAA operations offer distinct pay structures. Controllers may face a pay trade-off, choosing between slightly lower hourly wages with comprehensive health benefits and higher hourly rates without such coverage. Addressing these options, the potential for negotiation in hourly settings becomes essential for maximizing earning potential.
More salary data for Mitchell, SD:
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 Mitchell. 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 Mitchell 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