Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Hendersonville, TN: $65.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Hendersonville, TN runs $65.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,435 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Hendersonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,259 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Hendersonville, TN, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $65.11 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median of $73.02, indicating a regional variance in compensation for this critical role. For part-time controllers working three days a week, such an hourly rate translates into a steady income while allowing them some flexibility in their schedules. The hourly pay range for air traffic controllers in the area spans from $37.77 for entry-level positions to $94.10 for top earners, reflecting a significant earning potential within the profession. Typical work environments include en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers, all of which present unique challenges and responsibilities that can influence pay rates based on experience and skill level.
About the Hendersonville 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) | $37.77 | $302.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.88 | $375.08 |
| Median (P50) | $65.11 | $520.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.35 | $666.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.10 | $752.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hendersonville
Based on $65.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.11/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hendersonville, TN can expect to earn approximately $135,432 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,134. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hendersonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hendersonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,604.46 | $11,286 | $135,432 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,562.67 | $6,772 | $81,259 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,041.78 | $4,514 | $54,173 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Hendersonville) | $65.11 |
| 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 Hendersonville, TN earn a median of $135,435 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.83% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.90% below the Tennessee state average of $139,480.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.11/hr = $81,259/year (purchasing power: $88,518).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,432/year (purchasing power: $147,529).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hendersonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Hendersonville grew 20.4% from $52.72/hr (2019) to $63.48/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.78/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 Hendersonville 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 Hendersonville
When considering part-time work versus full-time opportunities, a controller working 24 hours each week can expect a substantially different annual income compared to those in full-time roles. Many controllers in Hendersonville may take on per-diem assignments, where pay can greatly exceed base rates due to additional overtime, which is often paid at 1.5 times the standard rate. Certain facilities may require controllers to work upwards of 50-60 hours a week, drastically increasing their potential earnings. Moreover, pay may vary depending on whether controllers work for FAA en route centers, TRACONs, or contract towers, each offering different benefits and compensation structures. Controllers often find that trade-offs exist between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates with comprehensive health insurance, necessitating careful consideration of their employment options. For those negotiating their hourly rates, understanding the unique dynamics of the Hendersonville market and being aware of prevailing pay rates across different agencies can provide leverage during discussions.
More salary data for Hendersonville, 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 Hendersonville. 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 Hendersonville 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