Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Galveston, TX: $70.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Galveston, TX runs $70.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,264 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Galveston's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,762 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for air traffic controllers in Galveston, Texas, is projected to be $70.32, providing a competitive rate compared to the national median of $73.02 per hour. This hourly rate allows for substantial earning potential for both full-time and part-time controllers; part-timers working three days a week can enjoy income that meets their needs while balancing personal commitments. The pay scales significantly from entry-level positions starting at $40.78 per hour to seasoned controllers earning over $101.48 per hour. Controllers typically operate in various settings, including en route centers, terminal radar facilities, and airport towers, where they manage the flow of air traffic in diverse and sometimes challenging environments, helping to ensure safety and efficiency in the skies.
About the Galveston 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) | $40.78 | $326.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.63 | $405.03 |
| Median (P50) | $70.32 | $562.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.01 | $720.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.48 | $811.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Galveston
Based on $70.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.32/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Galveston, TX can expect to earn approximately $146,270 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,386. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Galveston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Galveston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,812.88 | $12,189 | $146,270 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,687.73 | $7,313 | $87,762 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,125.15 | $4,876 | $58,508 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Galveston) | $70.32 |
| 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 Galveston, TX earn a median of $146,264 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.70% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.30% above the Texas state average of $145,826.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.32/hr = $87,762/year (purchasing power: $91,419).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,270/year (purchasing power: $152,364).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Galveston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Galveston grew 20.4% from $56.94/hr (2019) to $68.56/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.13/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 Galveston 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 Galveston
For those considering working part-time, a controller operating three days a week (24 hours) would earn approximately $77,237 annually, while full-time positions yield far greater income potential due to the opportunity for significant overtime. Many air traffic controllers, particularly those in understaffed facilities, often work 50-60 hours a week, allowing them to boost their effective hourly compensation dramatically through overtime pay. In Galveston, the nature of employment also varies based on whether controllers are hired directly by the FAA or through contractors, such as those staffing smaller airports, with some choices offering health insurance at the cost of a higher hourly rate. For those pursuing per diem air traffic controller pay in Galveston, negotiation is key; understanding the facility’s needs and being flexible can enhance earning potential, especially during training and transition periods between facilities.
More salary data for Galveston, 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 Galveston. 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 Galveston 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