Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Germantown, TN: $65.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Germantown, TN runs $65.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,707 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Germantown's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,425 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For air traffic controllers in Germantown, TN, the projected hourly pay in 2026 stands at $65.24, reflecting a slight decrease of 10.65% compared to the national hourly median of $73.02. This hourly wage offers flexibility, particularly for those working part-time at around three days a week, translating to significant income while balancing personal commitments. Controllers typically work within demanding environments, including en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. For those just starting out in this profession, entry-level hourly wages are estimated at $37.84, while top earners can make as much as $94.27, highlighting a broad range of earning possibilities based on experience and location.
About the Germantown 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) | $37.84 | $302.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.70 | $389.60 |
| Median (P50) | $65.24 | $521.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.51 | $668.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.27 | $754.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Germantown
Based on $65.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.24/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Germantown, TN can expect to earn approximately $135,709 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,294. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Germantown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Germantown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,609.79 | $11,309 | $135,709 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,565.87 | $6,785 | $81,425 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,043.92 | $4,524 | $54,284 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Germantown) | $65.24 |
| 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 Germantown, TN earn a median of $135,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.65% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.70% below the Tennessee state average of $139,473.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.24/hr = $81,425/year (purchasing power: $88,699).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,709/year (purchasing power: $147,831).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Germantown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Germantown grew 20.4% from $52.83/hr (2019) to $63.61/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.92/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 Germantown 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 Germantown
A part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours a week can expect to bring home approximately $81,697 annually, showcasing the financial viability without the need for full-time commitment. Particularly noteworthy is the per diem structure for controllers, especially during facility transfer training, where compensation may be negotiable depending on the circumstances. Overtime remains a crucial aspect of the compensation structure, which can push earnings significantly higher; many controllers work 50-60 hours weekly, resulting in annual pay exceeding $50,000 to $100,000 in additional overtime. The variability in pay also hinges on the type of employer—FAA en route centers, TRACONs, airport towers, military postings, and FAA contract towers all present different hourly rates and benefit configurations. Controllers might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for quality health benefits, creating a trade-off dynamic that necessitates careful consideration when negotiating terms.
More salary data for Germantown, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Germantown in 2026?
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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 Germantown. 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 Germantown 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