Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Collierville, TN: $67.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Collierville, TN runs $67.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,742 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Collierville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,845 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Collierville, Tennessee, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $67.18, which is 8% lower than the national median of $73.02. This competitive pay structure reflects the intricacies of the role, particularly for those seeking part-time arrangements, such as working three days a week. Given the demanding environment of en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities near major airports, or even control tower operations, those working less than full-time can still generate substantial income. Within the overall pay scale, controllers experience an hourly range from $38.97 for entry-level positions to $94.56 for experienced professionals, highlighting a diverse earning potential within this specialized career.
About the Collierville 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) | $38.97 | $311.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.37 | $386.98 |
| Median (P50) | $67.18 | $537.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.99 | $687.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.56 | $756.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Collierville
Based on $67.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.18/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Collierville, TN can expect to earn approximately $139,741 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,620. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Collierville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Collierville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,687.33 | $11,645 | $139,741 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,612.40 | $6,987 | $83,845 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,074.93 | $4,658 | $55,897 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Collierville) | $67.18 |
| 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 Collierville, TN earn a median of $139,742 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.00% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.20% above the Tennessee state average of $139,463.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.18/hr = $83,845/year (purchasing power: $91,334).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,741/year (purchasing power: $152,224).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Collierville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Collierville grew 20.4% from $54.40/hr (2019) to $65.50/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.91/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 Collierville 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 Collierville
When looking at the financial implications of part-time work in this field, air traffic controllers who operate on a three-day workweek can anticipate earnings that differ greatly from their full-time counterparts. The potential for substantial overtime further complicates the pay dynamics; many controllers are working 50-60 hours each week in understaffed facilities, which can push their effective hourly compensation significantly above base rates. As a per diem air traffic controller in Collierville, one could negotiate for a higher pay rate, especially during training phases, but it's crucial to weigh the benefits provided by full-time positions against higher hourly pay in other settings. Different employers—such as FAA en route centers, military operations, or FAA contract towers—offer varying compensation packages, each with unique trade-offs concerning benefits and job security. Controllers must be proactive in understanding industry dynamics and negotiation strategies to secure the hourly rates that fit their professional needs and lifestyle in Collierville, TN.
More salary data for Collierville, TN:
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 Collierville. 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 Collierville 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