Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in La Vergne, TN: $64.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in La Vergne, TN runs $64.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,165 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against La Vergne's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,902 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In La Vergne, TN, air traffic controllers can expect a median hourly rate of $64.02, which is notably lower than the national rate of $73.02. This pay level reflects the local job market and its specific conditions. For part-time controllers, working as few as three days a week, this hourly income translates into a manageable earnings opportunity amidst unique working environments—such as busy radar facilities and control towers with expansive views. The hourly pay for en route, TRACON, and tower positions in La Vergne ranges from an entry-level rate of $37.13 to a high of $90.17, allowing for diverse career paths within air traffic control. All figures are derived from annual salary data, painting a comprehensive picture of what air traffic controller hourly pay might look like in this region by 2026.
About the La Vergne 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) | $37.13 | $297.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.32 | $370.56 |
| Median (P50) | $64.02 | $512.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.27 | $650.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.17 | $721.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Vergne
Based on $64.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.02/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Vergne, TN can expect to earn approximately $133,170 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,829. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in La Vergne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Vergne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,560.97 | $11,098 | $133,170 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,536.58 | $6,659 | $79,902 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,024.39 | $4,439 | $53,268 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (La Vergne) | $64.02 |
| 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 La Vergne, TN earn a median of $133,165 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.33% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.50% below the Tennessee state average of $139,439.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.02/hr = $79,902/year (purchasing power: $87,039).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,170/year (purchasing power: $145,066).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in La Vergne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in La Vergne grew 20.4% from $51.84/hr (2019) to $62.42/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.67/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 La Vergne 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 La Vergne
For those considering part-time roles, an air traffic controller clocking 24 hours weekly may take home substantial earnings, although it doesn't match what full-time counterparts might accumulate. The per-diem positions can vary significantly depending on training locations and project demand, often leading to overtime that can effectively boost pay beyond the standard base rate. With many controllers facing chronic understaffing, working 50-60 hours a week is not uncommon, with overtime pushing total compensations into robust ranges of $50,000-$100,000 a year. Meanwhile, hourly pay varies widely based on employer—ranging from FAA en route centers to military operations. As controllers weigh the merits of higher hourly rates without benefits against more stable positions with health insurance, negotiation skills become invaluable, especially in La Vergne’s competitive market.
More salary data for La Vergne, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in La Vergne 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 La Vergne. 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 La Vergne 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