Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Smyrna, TN: $67.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Smyrna, TN runs $67.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,935 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,562 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, Tennessee, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers stands at $67.76, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This difference may reflect the region's cost of living index, which is below the national average. For part-time controllers working three days a week, or those taking on per-diem work in various control environments—including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers—the effective hourly rate provides a solid income. Entry-level controllers might start at approximately $39.29 per hour, while those at the top of their field can earn up to $96.36. It's essential for aspiring air traffic controllers in Smyrna to understand that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data and can fluctuate based on demand, experience, and specific facility requirements.
About the Smyrna 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) | $39.29 | $314.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.78 | $390.26 |
| Median (P50) | $67.76 | $542.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.73 | $693.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.36 | $770.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $67.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.76/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, TN can expect to earn approximately $140,936 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,309. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,710.31 | $11,745 | $140,936 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,626.19 | $7,047 | $84,562 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,084.12 | $4,698 | $56,374 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Smyrna) | $67.76 |
| 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 Smyrna, TN earn a median of $140,935 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.21% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $139,402.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.76/hr = $84,562/year (purchasing power: $92,115).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,936/year (purchasing power: $153,525).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Smyrna grew 20.4% from $54.87/hr (2019) to $66.06/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.50/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
Examining part-time earning potential in Smyrna highlights the financial landscape for air traffic controllers. A controller working a standard three-day weekly schedule, totaling 24 hours, can expect to earn significantly compared to full-time counterparts, though the lack of benefits often leaves part-time workers at a disadvantage. Per-diem arrangements provide flexible earning options, but shifts often lead to controllers working overtime at 1.5 times their base pay, which can dramatically lift annual compensation, as many employees log 50-60 hours a week. Hourly rates also vary significantly based on employer type; federal en route centers, terminal radar facilities, and contract towers all have different pay structures influenced by staffing and operational demands. Some controllers opt for lower hourly rates with health insurance benefits, while others prioritize higher pay without such coverage. Effective negotiation can be crucial for those new to the industry, particularly around work hours and potential overtime opportunities, ensuring individuals in Smyrna can maximize their earning potential in this vital profession.
More salary data for Smyrna, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Smyrna 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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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