Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Little Elm, TX: $68.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Little Elm, TX runs $68.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,487 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Little Elm's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,894 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Little Elm, Texas, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $68.02, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This rate enables part-time controllers working three days a week to achieve a significant annual income, especially when considering the demanding environments they operate in—be it the en route centers, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers. The hourly pay range in this city varies from entry-level positions at approximately $39.45 to seasoned professionals with rates reaching up to $93.69. It's important to remember that these figures are primarily derived from annual salary data, reflecting a labor market where the hourly rate serves as a crucial benchmark for work-life balance.
About the Little Elm 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) | $39.45 | $315.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.53 | $404.21 |
| Median (P50) | $68.02 | $544.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.06 | $680.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.69 | $749.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Little Elm
Based on $68.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.02/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Little Elm, TX can expect to earn approximately $141,491 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,629. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Little Elm.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Little Elm
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,720.98 | $11,791 | $141,491 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,632.59 | $7,075 | $84,894 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,088.39 | $4,716 | $56,596 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Little Elm) | $68.02 |
| 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 Little Elm, TX earn a median of $141,487 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.85% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.00% below the Texas state average of $145,863.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.02/hr = $84,894/year (purchasing power: $88,432).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,491/year (purchasing power: $147,386).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Little Elm (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Little Elm grew 20.4% from $55.08/hr (2019) to $66.32/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.77/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 Little Elm 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 Little Elm
For air traffic controllers in Little Elm, working part-time can yield an annual take-home amount that still rivals many full-time positions, particularly when factoring in additional compensation. Controllers typically find themselves working overtime, which can significantly boost their effective hourly earnings well beyond their base rate. Many positions, especially within understaffed facilities, report schedules of 50-60 hours a week, resulting in thousands of dollars in overtime annually. Moreover, various types of employers in the area—ranging from FAA en route centers to contract towers—offer different compensation structures, with some opting for higher hourly rates in exchange for reduced benefits. This trade-off in benefits can create opportunities for negotiation, particularly in contract positions with agencies where pay might be lower but could potentially include more flexible working arrangements. Understanding hourly compensation nuances is vital for controllers to determine the best fit for their financial and personal goals.
More salary data for Little Elm, 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 Little Elm. 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 Little Elm 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