Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Kingsport, TN: $66.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Kingsport, TN runs $66.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,605 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Kingsport's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,166 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For air traffic controllers in Kingsport, TN, the expected hourly rate stands at $66.64. This figure is about 8.74% lower than the national median hourly rate of $73.02, which might influence local controllers considering part-time work or per-diem roles. In typical settings such as en route centers, terminal radar approach control facilities, and traffic management cells, part-time employees may work around three days a week, allowing them to enjoy a flexible schedule while earning competitive pay. Within Kingsport, the hourly pay varies significantly across the profession, with entry-level positions starting around $38.65 and experienced controllers reaching up to $99.19. This range reflects the diverse responsibilities air traffic controllers shoulder, which can fluctuate depending on the complexity of the airspace they manage.
About the Kingsport 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) | $38.65 | $309.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.98 | $383.86 |
| Median (P50) | $66.64 | $533.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.30 | $682.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.19 | $793.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kingsport
Based on $66.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.64/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kingsport, TN can expect to earn approximately $138,611 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,968. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kingsport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kingsport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,665.59 | $11,551 | $138,611 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,599.35 | $6,931 | $83,166 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,066.24 | $4,620 | $55,444 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Kingsport) | $66.64 |
| 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 Kingsport, TN earn a median of $138,605 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.74% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% below the Tennessee state average of $139,442.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.64/hr = $83,166/year (purchasing power: $90,595).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,611/year (purchasing power: $150,992).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kingsport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Kingsport grew 20.4% from $53.96/hr (2019) to $64.97/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.35/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 Kingsport 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 Kingsport
For controllers opting for part-time roles—working, for example, 24 hours a week—annual earnings may be notably less than their full-time counterparts. While full-time positions can lead to significant additional income through overtime pay, part-timers often miss out on those hours. It’s not uncommon for controllers in busy en route centers to put in 50-60 hours a week, enabling them to earn substantial overtime pay, which can significantly boost their effective hourly compensation. Additionally, different employment settings such as FAA en route centers, TRACONs, military ATC, and civilian contractor towers present varied pay structures. While some may prefer the stability and benefits of FAA entities, others might chase higher hourly rates offered by contractors without benefits. Understanding this matrix of hourly pay dynamics in Kingsport empowers aspiring air traffic controllers to navigate their career paths effectively, armed with insights on negotiating pay related to both hourly rates and overall compensation packages.
More salary data for Kingsport, 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 Kingsport. 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 Kingsport 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