Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Mission, TX: $70.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Mission, TX runs $70.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,640 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Mission's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,378 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mission, Texas, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $70.01, which is slightly lower than the national median of $73.02. This figure indicates that controllers in the region may face different earning potential, especially when considering part-time and per-diem work environments common in the industry. Typically found in high-stakes settings such as TRACON facilities and airport control towers, controllers working three days a week might expect to generate significant income while enjoying a balanced schedule. The hourly range for these professionals varies notably, with entry-level positions earning around $40.61, while those at the top of the field can make as much as $104.89 per hour. Considering the estimated numbers derived from annual salary data, this outline provides a comprehensive view of the financial landscape for air traffic controllers in Mission.
About the Mission 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) | $40.61 | $324.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.41 | $403.31 |
| Median (P50) | $70.01 | $560.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.20 | $705.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.89 | $839.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mission
Based on $70.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.01/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mission, TX can expect to earn approximately $145,630 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,017. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mission.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mission
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,800.57 | $12,136 | $145,630 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,680.34 | $7,281 | $87,378 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,120.23 | $4,854 | $58,252 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Mission) | $70.01 |
| 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 Mission, TX earn a median of $145,640 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.11% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.10% below the Texas state average of $145,786.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.01/hr = $87,378/year (purchasing power: $91,019).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,630/year (purchasing power: $151,698).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Mission (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Mission grew 20.4% from $56.69/hr (2019) to $68.26/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.81/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 Mission 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 Mission
Part-time air traffic controllers in Mission who work 24 hours a week have the potential to earn significantly less compared to their full-time counterparts. Over the course of a year, such a three-day workweek could yield around $87,004, which contrasts sharply with a full-time controller's earnings that can include greater overtime opportunities. Controllers frequently engage in overtime hours that can be compensated at 1.5 times the base rate, often totaling 50-60 hours per week, thus elevating their effective hourly compensation—some earning $50,000 to $100,000 or more in additional pay. Variances in hourly rates can be observed across different employer types, including FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach controls, and military air traffic control. Some controllers opt for contracts with FAA tower facilities, often trading off lower hourly wages for comprehensive health benefits. Negotiation tactics in Mission also emphasize the importance of benefits versus pay rates, highlighting a complex trade-off that requires careful consideration for those navigating their careers in air traffic control.
More salary data for Mission, 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 Mission. 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 Mission 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