Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Chattanooga, TN: $68.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Chattanooga, TN runs $68.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,473 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Chattanooga's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $74.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,882 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chattanooga, air traffic controllers can expect a median hourly pay of $68.01, which falls short of the national median of $73.02. This relatively competitive rate offers a reasonable earning potential for those employed in various air traffic control settings, such as the en route center radar consoles and airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this hourly wage translates to a commendable income, while per-diem positions can be lucrative for those willing to work on an as-needed basis, even as they navigate through the controlled chaos of monitoring planes from dim control rooms or overseeing traffic at major airports. Those at the lower end of the pay scale earn around $39.45, whereas top earners can make up to $103.50 per hour, reflecting a significant range driven primarily by experience, facility type, and responsibilities.
About the Chattanooga Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.45 | $315.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.97 | $391.74 |
| Median (P50) | $68.01 | $544.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.06 | $696.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.50 | $828.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chattanooga
Based on $68.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.01/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chattanooga, TN can expect to earn approximately $141,469 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,617. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chattanooga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chattanooga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,720.57 | $11,789 | $141,469 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,632.34 | $7,073 | $84,882 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,088.23 | $4,716 | $56,588 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Chattanooga) | $68.01 |
| 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 Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $141,473 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.86% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% above the Tennessee state average of $139,382.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.01/hr = $84,882/year (purchasing power: $92,464).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,469/year (purchasing power: $154,106).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Chattanooga grew 20.4% from $55.07/hr (2019) to $66.31/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.76/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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
When considering part-time opportunities, an air traffic controller in Chattanooga working 24 hours a week might take home a considerably reduced annual income compared to full-time colleagues. However, per-diem roles can provide a different financial reality. Many controllers often find themselves working overtime, generating effective hourly compensation that can substantially exceed base pay. This can include working 50-60 hours weekly at understaffed facilities, which may lead to substantial annual overtime earnings that can range from $50,000 to over $100,000. Variation in hourly rates also exists based on the type of employment, whether in FAA en route centers or city-based control towers. While some may opt for positions with higher hourly pay and no benefits, others prefer roles that come with health insurance, illustrating the various trade-offs within the profession. As you navigate hourly negotiations in this competitive market, be prepared to advocate for fair compensation based on your skills and the high demand for controllers in Chattanooga, TN.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Chattanooga in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Chattanooga?
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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 Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga 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