Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Harlingen, TX: $70.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Harlingen, TX runs $70.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,922 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Harlingen's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,159 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Harlingen, Texas, air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $70.64 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This salary reflects the specialized skills required to operate in various settings, including en route centers and airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers who work approximately three days a week, this hourly rate translates into solid earnings with respect to hours worked, especially in high-pressure environments like TRACON radar facilities and the FAA's Academy simulation rooms. The hourly earnings range widely, from $40.97 for entry-level positions to an impressive $100.19 for experienced controllers at the top end of the pay scale.
About the Harlingen 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) | $40.97 | $327.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.60 | $412.82 |
| Median (P50) | $70.64 | $565.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.62 | $716.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.19 | $801.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Harlingen
Based on $70.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.64/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Harlingen, TX can expect to earn approximately $146,931 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,768. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Harlingen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Harlingen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,825.60 | $12,244 | $146,931 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,695.36 | $7,347 | $88,159 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,130.24 | $4,898 | $58,772 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Harlingen) | $70.64 |
| 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 Harlingen, TX earn a median of $146,922 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.27% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% above the Texas state average of $145,756.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.64/hr = $88,159/year (purchasing power: $91,832).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,931/year (purchasing power: $153,053).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Harlingen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Harlingen grew 20.4% from $57.20/hr (2019) to $68.87/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.46/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 Harlingen 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 Harlingen
While full-time air traffic controllers in Harlingen can expect a stable income, those opting for part-time arrangements or per diem positions can achieve substantial financial outcomes as well. A part-timer working 24 hours a week could still take home a significant annual income, yet many controllers in the area seek overtime opportunities, especially during periods of understaffing, to boost their take-home pay significantly. Controllers at FAA facilities often work extended hours at an overtime rate of 1.5 times their base pay, sometimes resulting in annual compensations that exceed $50,000 to $100,000 above their base salaries. The nature of hourly pay also varies based on the employer, with federal FAA facilities generally offering more comprehensive benefits that may come with lower hourly rates compared to private contractors. Therefore, controllers need to weigh their pay against the benefits offered and develop negotiation strategies that align with their career goals and financial needs.
More salary data for Harlingen, 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 Harlingen. 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 Harlingen 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