Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $59.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Pierre, SD runs $59.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,348 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $63.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,014 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, the median hourly pay for air traffic controllers is projected to be $59.31 in 2026, significantly below the national hourly median of $73.02. This hourly rate translates to a viable income for controllers working part-time schedules, such as those putting in three days a week. Given the demanding work environments, which can range from radar consoles in en route centers to airport traffic control towers with expansive views, this pay aligns with the industry compensation standards for the region. Notably, hourly rates for these professionals range from $34.39 for entry-level positions to $82.60 for top earners. These figures are derived from estimated annual salaries, reflecting both the responsibilities shouldered by controllers and the economic realities of the SD job market.
About the Pierre 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) | $34.39 | $275.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.68 | $357.44 |
| Median (P50) | $59.31 | $474.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.13 | $601.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.60 | $660.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $59.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.31/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $123,356 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,167. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,372.24 | $10,280 | $123,356 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,423.34 | $6,168 | $74,014 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $948.90 | $4,112 | $49,343 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Pierre) | $59.31 |
| 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 Pierre, SD earn a median of $123,348 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.79% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $131,221.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.31/hr = $74,014/year (purchasing power: $79,756).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,356/year (purchasing power: $132,927).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Pierre grew 20.4% from $48.02/hr (2019) to $57.82/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.83/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 Pierre 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 Pierre
The part-time earning potential for a 3-day work week translates into approximately $46,642 yearly, markedly lower than what a full-time controller earns. However, many air traffic controllers in Pierre benefit from the opportunity to take on per-diem work, which can further augment their income through flexible shifts. Overtime pay frequently drives compensations above the base rates, with controllers often clocking in 50 to 60 hours weekly, resulting in additional earnings of $50,000 to $100,000 from overtime alone. The variety of employers in Pierre also influences hourly compensation; while FAA en route centers might offer different pay scales than FAA contract towers or military facilities, the choice between higher hourly rates without benefits or lower rates with comprehensive health insurance is a key consideration for many. Understanding these dynamics can help prospective controllers navigate salary negotiations effectively, ensuring they align their compensation expectations with the realities of the job market in SD.
More salary data for Pierre, 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 Pierre. 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 Pierre 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