Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Shelbyville, TN: $64.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Shelbyville, TN runs $64.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,450 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Shelbyville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,069 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shelbyville, Tennessee, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $64.16. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $73.02, reflecting the regional market conditions and cost of living adjustments, which stand at a cost of living index of 91.8 (with 100 being the national average). For part-time air traffic controllers working three days a week, the earnings can be substantial, especially when operating in critical areas such as en route center radar consoles or TRACON facilities. The hourly rate ranges significantly, with entry-level positions averaging around $37.21 and top earners, potentially in excess of $87.79 per hour. These numbers offer a window into the earning potential in Shelbyville, indicating that the hourly rates may be influenced by the facility type and the volume of traffic managed.
About the Shelbyville 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) | $37.21 | $297.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.20 | $369.58 |
| Median (P50) | $64.16 | $513.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.31 | $642.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.79 | $702.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shelbyville
Based on $64.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.16/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shelbyville, TN can expect to earn approximately $133,448 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,989. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Shelbyville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shelbyville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,566.30 | $11,121 | $133,448 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,539.78 | $6,672 | $80,069 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,026.52 | $4,448 | $53,379 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Shelbyville) | $64.16 |
| 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 Shelbyville, TN earn a median of $133,450 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.14% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.30% below the Tennessee state average of $139,446.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.16/hr = $80,069/year (purchasing power: $87,221).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,448/year (purchasing power: $145,368).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Shelbyville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Shelbyville grew 20.4% from $51.95/hr (2019) to $62.55/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.81/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 Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville
Part-time controllers earning at the current hourly rate in Shelbyville may take home a notable income, but it is essential to consider how this compares to full-time salaries. Typically, a part-time air traffic controller would see significantly less annual pay compared to a full-time counterpart. Those seeking flexibility may benefit from per-diem rates, often negotiated based on the site and training requirements. Overtime, a common practice in the aviation sector due to staffing shortages, allows the more senior CPCs to substantially increase their pay, with many routinely clocking 50-60 hours per week and potentially doubling their earnings through overtime compensation. In Shelbyville, hourly pay also varies depending on whether one works for the FAA at an en route center, TRACON, or a smaller contract tower, with those in government roles benefiting from comprehensive health insurance offerings that can justify lower hourly wages. Controllers should consider these benefits when negotiating their compensation; understanding the dynamics of pay in different settings can lead to more strategic career decisions.
More salary data for Shelbyville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Shelbyville. 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 Shelbyville 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