Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Odessa, TX: $69.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Odessa, TX runs $69.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,223 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Odessa's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,533 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Odessa, Texas, the current air traffic controller hourly pay stands at $69.34, which is slightly lower than the national median of $73.02. This rate offers significant potential for part-time workers, particularly those who opt for 3-day work weeks, allowing them a balanced lifestyle while still earning a respectable income. Per-diem arrangements in different environments, such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, or bustling airport control towers, can also yield favorable financial outcomes. In Odessa, entry-level controllers can expect to earn around $40.22 hourly, while seasoned professionals can command up to $101.94 per hour, reflecting the full spectrum of experience and responsibility within this critical profession. These hourly rates, projected from annual salary data, highlight the potential for air traffic controllers to earn competitive wages in a market that continually adjusts to the demands of air traffic management.
About the Odessa 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) | $40.22 | $321.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.92 | $399.37 |
| Median (P50) | $69.34 | $554.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.75 | $710.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.94 | $815.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Odessa
Based on $69.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.34/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Odessa, TX can expect to earn approximately $144,222 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,205. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Odessa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Odessa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,773.49 | $12,018 | $144,222 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,664.10 | $7,211 | $86,533 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,109.40 | $4,807 | $57,689 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Odessa) | $69.34 |
| 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 Odessa, TX earn a median of $144,223 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.05% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.10% below the Texas state average of $145,827.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.34/hr = $86,533/year (purchasing power: $90,139).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,222/year (purchasing power: $150,231).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Odessa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Odessa grew 20.4% from $56.15/hr (2019) to $67.60/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.12/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 Odessa 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 Odessa
For those considering part-time opportunities in air traffic control, working three days a week can result in an annual income that aligns with competitive standards while allowing for greater personal time. For example, a controller on a 24-hour work schedule would bring home a salary that typically reflects strong earning potential without the commitments of full-time hours. Additionally, the per-diem reality for air traffic controllers can boost effective hourly compensation considerably, with many controllers often securing substantial overtime ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000 annually. In Odessa, the type of employer can significantly influence hourly rates; for instance, controllers at FAA en route centers or contract towers may receive different compensation packages. It's essential for prospective air traffic controllers to negotiate effectively. Weighing benefits, such as health insurance, against higher hourly rates without benefits might lead some to choose stability over immediate pay, making strategic negotiation skills vital. Additionally, fostering relationships within the FAA and staying informed about facility-specific compensation trends can provide an advantage in securing optimal hourly pay.
More salary data for Odessa, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Odessa in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Odessa?
Are air traffic controllers in Odessa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Odessa?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Odessa?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Odessa. 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 Odessa 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