Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in McKinney, TX: $69.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in McKinney, TX runs $69.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,800 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against McKinney's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,879 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The air traffic controller hourly pay in McKinney, Texas, is projected to be $69.61 in 2026, slightly lower than the national median of $73.02. This wage presents a sound opportunity for those considering part-time work, as a controller averaging three days per week, or 24 hours, can earn a respectable income while minimizing full-time commitments. Those who take on per diem positions often work in settings such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, or airport traffic control towers, where environments can drastically differ. With an hourly range spanning from $40.38 for entry-level positions to over $102.91 for top earners, potential candidates can expect a fulfilling career where compensation reflects responsibility and skill.
About the McKinney 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) | $40.38 | $323.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.13 | $401.01 |
| Median (P50) | $69.61 | $556.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.11 | $712.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.91 | $823.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McKinney
Based on $69.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.61/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McKinney, TX can expect to earn approximately $144,798 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,537. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in McKinney.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McKinney
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,784.57 | $12,066 | $144,798 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,670.74 | $7,240 | $86,879 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,113.83 | $4,827 | $57,919 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (McKinney) | $69.61 |
| 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 McKinney, TX earn a median of $144,800 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.67% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% below the Texas state average of $145,821.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.61/hr = $86,879/year (purchasing power: $90,499).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,798/year (purchasing power: $150,831).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in McKinney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in McKinney grew 20.4% from $56.37/hr (2019) to $67.87/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.40/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 McKinney 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 McKinney
A part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours a week can anticipate a significant difference in annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. While the base hourly rate may be appealing, many professionals in the field leverage overtime to maximize their income, particularly in understaffed FAA facilities, where shifts often extend to 50-60 hours a week. Controllers may garner an additional $50,000 to $100,000 in overtime pay, leading to a remarkable total that reflects both their commitment and skill in managing air traffic. Additionally, rates may vary depending on the type of employer in McKinney, with FAA en route centers and airports offering different compensation scales. Some may opt for the stability of a federal job with benefits at the potential expense of a higher hourly rate, while others might negotiate flexible per diem arrangements, particularly during transitional training phases. Understanding these dynamics can provide an edge in hourly compensation negotiations, essential for candidates aiming for success in the air traffic control profession.
More salary data for McKinney, 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 McKinney. 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 McKinney 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