Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Grapevine, TX: $68.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Grapevine, TX runs $68.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,529 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Grapevine's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,920 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Grapevine, TX, air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to be $68.04 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This compensation level reflects the responsibilities of air traffic controllers who operate from various environments, including en route centers, terminal approach control facilities, and airport towers. For those seeking part-time opportunities, working three days a week could yield a substantial income while allowing for work-life balance. With a range spanning from $39.47 at the entry-level up to $100.71 for the top earners in Grapevine, the structure of hourly rates provides a clear view of the earning potential within the profession. These figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, indicating a competitive salary for both full and part-time work within the field.
About the Grapevine 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) | $39.47 | $315.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.99 | $391.90 |
| Median (P50) | $68.04 | $544.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.09 | $696.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.71 | $805.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grapevine
Based on $68.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.04/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grapevine, TX can expect to earn approximately $141,533 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,654. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grapevine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grapevine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,721.80 | $11,794 | $141,533 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,633.08 | $7,077 | $84,920 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,088.72 | $4,718 | $56,613 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Grapevine) | $68.04 |
| 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 Grapevine, TX earn a median of $141,529 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.82% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.90% below the Texas state average of $145,756.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.04/hr = $84,920/year (purchasing power: $88,458).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,533/year (purchasing power: $147,431).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Grapevine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Grapevine grew 20.4% from $55.10/hr (2019) to $66.34/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.79/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 Grapevine 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 Grapevine
Exploring the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Grapevine reveals substantial differences compared to full-time positions. For example, an individual working three days a week would typically take home a significant figure annually, particularly if they also engage in overtime, which can elevate earnings dramatically. Many controllers at understaffed facilities find themselves routinely working 50-60 hours per week, and with overtime pay at 1.5 times the base rate, effective hourly compensation can be substantially higher than the base figures suggest. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Grapevine varies based on employer type, with FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and airport towers offering different pay scales. Moreover, some controllers might choose to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive health benefits. As the job market continues to evolve, practical negotiation tips would include emphasizing flexibility and potentially leveraging experience to secure a competitive hourly rate that aligns with the local market dynamics and the critical staffing needs of the FAA facilities.
More salary data for Grapevine, TX:
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 Grapevine. 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 Grapevine 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