Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Huntsville, TX: $68.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Huntsville, TX runs $68.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,403 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Huntsville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,445 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Huntsville, TX, can expect a median hourly pay of $68.47, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This hourly rate allows for flexible work schedules, particularly appealing for part-time controllers who may work three days a week. In such scenarios, these professionals can efficiently manage their time while still maximizing earnings, particularly in environments like en route centers, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers. For entry-level controllers, starting at an hourly rate of $39.70 is typical, while experienced, top-earning professionals can exceed $99.21 per hour. This disparity in earnings reflects not only experience levels but also the distinct responsibility and stress that comes with managing air traffic in Huntsville and beyond.
About the Huntsville 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) | $39.70 | $317.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.30 | $394.36 |
| Median (P50) | $68.47 | $547.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.76 | $678.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.21 | $793.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntsville
Based on $68.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.47/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntsville, TX can expect to earn approximately $142,408 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,159. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huntsville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntsville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,738.62 | $11,867 | $142,408 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,643.17 | $7,120 | $85,445 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,095.45 | $4,747 | $56,963 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Huntsville) | $68.47 |
| 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 Huntsville, TX earn a median of $142,403 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.24% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.30% below the Texas state average of $145,755.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.47/hr = $85,445/year (purchasing power: $89,005).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,408/year (purchasing power: $148,342).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Huntsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Huntsville grew 20.4% from $55.44/hr (2019) to $66.75/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.23/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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville
When considering part-time work, a three-day workweek would net around $68,000 annually for air traffic controllers, providing a stable income without the commitment of full-time hours. Moreover, per diem or agency roles present opportunities for higher earning potential, especially through overtime, where many controllers find themselves working extended hours to bridge staffing gaps, often resulting in effective hourly compensation climbing well above base pay. Different employers in Huntsville, including FAA en route centers and local terminal control facilities, may offer varying benefits packages. Some controllers may prioritize benefits like health insurance over a higher hourly rate, which is an essential consideration in the trade-off analysis for potential job offers. Negotiating pay can also be critical; understanding the local hiring climate and individual facility needs can empower hourly controllers to secure optimal compensation.
More salary data for Huntsville, 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 Huntsville. 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 Huntsville 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