Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in College Station, TX: $72.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in College Station, TX runs $72.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $150,278 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against College Station's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $75.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,168 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In College Station, Texas, air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $72.25 in 2026, slightly trailing the national median of $73.02. This compensation structure suggests a favorable environment for controllers engaged in part-time schedules, like those working three days a week, or per-diem arrangements. Typical work settings include en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities near major airports, and control towers offering panoramic views of airport operations. The hourly compensation ranges from $41.90 for entry-level positions to $104.92 for top earners. This wide spectrum reflects the diversity of roles and responsibilities within the field, with varying complexities and stress levels associated with different facilities and responsibilities.
About the College Station 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) | $41.90 | $335.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.02 | $416.19 |
| Median (P50) | $72.25 | $578.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.48 | $739.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.92 | $839.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in College Station
Based on $72.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.25/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in College Station, TX can expect to earn approximately $150,281 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,700. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in College Station.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in College Station
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,890.01 | $12,523 | $150,281 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,734.01 | $7,514 | $90,168 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,156.00 | $5,009 | $60,112 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (College Station) | $72.25 |
| 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 College Station, TX earn a median of $150,278 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.06% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.10% above the Texas state average of $145,760.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.25/hr = $90,168/year (purchasing power: $93,925).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $150,281/year (purchasing power: $156,542).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$58.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in College Station (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in College Station grew 20.4% from $58.50/hr (2019) to $70.44/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.11/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 College Station 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 College Station
Evaluating earnings across different working arrangements reveals distinct financial possibilities. An air traffic controller working on a part-time basis, clocking in around 24 hours per week, can anticipate a yearly salary considerably lower than their full-time counterparts, but still sustainable with strategic scheduling. The per diem air traffic controller pay in College Station varies based on agency needs and specific contract agreements, but controllers in understaffed facilities often pull in significant overtime, sometimes reaching 50-60 hours per week. This additional time can amplify overall earnings significantly, with many controllers enjoying effective hourly compensation well above the base rate, thanks to overtime calculations. Moreover, a variety of employment settings—ranging from FAA en route centers to military air traffic control—impact hourly rates and benefits. Some controllers may opt for lower pay at facilities with robust health insurance offerings, whereas others pursue opportunities with higher rates but fewer benefits. Negotiation for per diem positions can also prove lucrative, especially during training transitions, making understanding these dynamics vital for success in this competitive field.
More salary data for College Station, 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 College Station. 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 College Station 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