Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Missouri City, TX: $70.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Missouri City, TX runs $70.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,009 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Missouri City's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,608 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Missouri City, Texas, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $70.20, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This compensation reflects the responsibilities these professionals hold in various settings, including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, or those on a per-diem basis, this hourly pay can translate to significant earnings, depending on their schedule's consistency and workload. Entry-level positions offer a starting hourly range of $40.71, while top earners can make as much as $105.70 per hour, showcasing the potential for advancement within the profession and a favorable financial outlook for controllers in this region.
About the Missouri City 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) | $40.71 | $325.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.55 | $404.37 |
| Median (P50) | $70.20 | $561.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.53 | $708.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105.70 | $845.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Missouri City
Based on $70.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.20/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Missouri City, TX can expect to earn approximately $146,014 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,239. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Missouri City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Missouri City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,807.96 | $12,168 | $146,014 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,684.77 | $7,301 | $87,608 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,123.18 | $4,867 | $58,405 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Missouri City) | $70.20 |
| 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 Missouri City, TX earn a median of $146,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.87% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.10% above the Texas state average of $145,864.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.20/hr = $87,608/year (purchasing power: $91,259).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,014/year (purchasing power: $152,098).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Missouri City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Missouri City grew 20.4% from $56.84/hr (2019) to $68.44/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.00/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 Missouri City 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 Missouri City
The earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Missouri City can vary dramatically based on the number of hours worked. For those working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week, the annual take-home pay can be substantial, although it remains significantly lower than that of full-time controllers. Many positions offer overtime opportunities, which can significantly augment base pay—overtime in this field typically compensates at 1.5 times the regular rate, leading to many Controllers earning thousands more each year than their base might suggest. In Missouri City, hourly wages vary by employer type, with FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and contract facilities each presenting distinct compensation structures. Some controllers might opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits like health insurance. Those new to the field should be mindful during negotiations, understanding their value in light of the prevailing staffing shortages, potential for overtime, and the different benefits packages available at various facilities.
More salary data for Missouri City, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Missouri City. 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 Missouri City 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