Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Cedar Park, TX: $69.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Cedar Park, TX runs $69.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,183 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Cedar Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,109 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cedar Park, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at a median rate of $69.80, slightly below the national median of $73.02. This rate reflects not only the specialized skill set required for the profession but also the varying environments in which controllers operate. Many work in en route centers, relying on radar consoles to monitor high-altitude traffic, while others are stationed in busy TRACONs or control towers, directly interfacing with aircraft. The hourly wage varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $40.48 and top earners reaching up to $104.11. For those pursuing part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week, or considering per-diem roles, these figures translate into a persuasive income, balancing work-life dynamics and personal commitments—especially appealing in a city with a cost of living index of 96.
About the Cedar Park Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.48 | $323.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.26 | $402.07 |
| Median (P50) | $69.80 | $558.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.34 | $714.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.11 | $832.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cedar Park
Based on $69.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.80/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cedar Park, TX can expect to earn approximately $145,182 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,759. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cedar Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cedar Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,791.96 | $12,098 | $145,182 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,675.17 | $7,259 | $87,109 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,116.78 | $4,839 | $58,073 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Cedar Park) | $69.80 |
| 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 Cedar Park, TX earn a median of $145,183 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.41% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.40% below the Texas state average of $145,766.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.80/hr = $87,109/year (purchasing power: $90,739).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,182/year (purchasing power: $151,231).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cedar Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Cedar Park grew 20.4% from $56.52/hr (2019) to $68.05/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.59/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 Cedar Park 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 Cedar Park
The opportunities for part-time air traffic controllers in Cedar Park can yield substantial earnings, particularly when working 24 hours a week. An air traffic controller in this capacity could anticipate an impressive income, significantly bolstered by overtime—often a reality in this field due to staffing shortages. Many controllers routinely clock 50-60 hours weekly, which can dramatically elevate their effective hourly pay, often surpassing the base compensation figure. Agency roles or per-diem positions can also allow for negotiation on hourly rates, particularly during essential training periods. Hourly compensation can vary based on the types of employers, whether operating within FAA facilities like ARTCCs, TRACONs, or contractual towers. Controllers may opt for positions with lower pay if they include benefits such as health insurance, while others may choose higher hourly rates without benefits. Understanding these dynamics can equip a potential air traffic controller with effective negotiation skills tailored to Cedar Park's unique employment market.
More salary data for Cedar Park, TX:
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 Cedar Park. 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 Cedar Park 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