Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Laredo, TX: $71.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Laredo, TX runs $71.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $147,824 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Laredo's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $74.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,696 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laredo, Texas, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at a median of $71.07, which is slightly less than the national median of $73.02. This rate reflects the potential earnings for controllers working in various environments, including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers. For those interested in part-time opportunities or per-diem positions, such as working three days a week, effective hourly income can support a comfortable living. Entry-level controllers start at an hourly rate of $41.22, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $110.16 per hour, providing a wide income range that accommodates both new entrants and seasoned veterans within the industry. It’s important to recognize that these hourly figures have been derived from projected annual salaries, highlighting the viable earning potential in Laredo.
About the Laredo 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) | $41.22 | $329.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.17 | $409.38 |
| Median (P50) | $71.07 | $568.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.97 | $727.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110.16 | $881.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laredo
Based on $71.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.07/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laredo, TX can expect to earn approximately $147,827 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,285. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Laredo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laredo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,842.83 | $12,319 | $147,827 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,705.70 | $7,391 | $88,696 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,137.13 | $4,928 | $59,131 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Laredo) | $71.07 |
| 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 Laredo, TX earn a median of $147,824 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.67% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% above the Texas state average of $145,783.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.07/hr = $88,696/year (purchasing power: $92,392).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $147,827/year (purchasing power: $153,987).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Laredo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Laredo grew 20.4% from $57.55/hr (2019) to $69.29/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.90/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 Laredo 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 Laredo
Beyond the base hourly compensation, part-time air traffic controllers working a typical 24-hour week can see their earnings accumulate significantly over the course of a year, albeit at a lower total than full-time controllers. Many professionals in Laredo may choose per-diem roles or agency positions where flexibility and pay can vary widely. The overtime potential in this field is substantial; controllers often work 50 to 60 hours a week, with overtime compensated at 1.5 times their base rate. This additional income can elevate total earnings by $50,000 to $100,000 per year. Employment settings also play a critical role in determining pay, as controllers in FAA en route centers, FAA TRACONs, and airport towers experience different compensation scales. Low hourly rates may sometimes come with benefits like health insurance, prompting some controllers to weigh their options carefully when considering compensation packages. For those negotiating their pay in Laredo, it may be advantageous to explore not only the hourly rate but also the entirety of benefits offered, which can influence overall financial wellbeing in this demanding profession.
More salary data for Laredo, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Laredo in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Laredo?
Are air traffic controllers in Laredo paid hourly or salary?
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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 Laredo. 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 Laredo 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