Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Pearland, TX: $69.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Pearland, TX runs $69.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,506 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Pearland's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,699 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pearland, Texas, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $69.47, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This hourly pay reflects the challenging environments in which controllers operate, including windowless control rooms, bustling airport traffic towers, and radar facilities. With this rate, part-time controllers working three days a week can expect a flexible schedule while earning competitive remuneration. Furthermore, hourly pay can vary significantly, ranging from $40.30 at the 10th percentile to $102.23 at the 90th percentile, which allows for a wide disparity in earnings based on experience and location. These estimates, as derived from annual salary figures, suggest a structured pay scale that aligns with the various facilities in Pearland where controllers work, contributing to an engaging yet demanding profession.
About the Pearland 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) | $40.30 | $322.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.02 | $400.19 |
| Median (P50) | $69.47 | $555.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.93 | $711.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.23 | $817.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pearland
Based on $69.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.47/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pearland, TX can expect to earn approximately $144,499 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,365. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pearland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pearland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,778.83 | $12,042 | $144,499 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,667.30 | $7,225 | $86,699 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,111.53 | $4,817 | $57,800 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Pearland) | $69.47 |
| 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 Pearland, TX earn a median of $144,506 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% below the Texas state average of $145,818.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.47/hr = $86,699/year (purchasing power: $90,312).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,499/year (purchasing power: $150,520).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pearland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Pearland grew 20.4% from $56.25/hr (2019) to $67.73/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.26/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 Pearland 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 Pearland
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Pearland reveals intriguing realities that differ significantly from those in full-time roles. A controller working a 24-hour week could see substantial annual earnings, especially when factoring in overtime opportunities that often reach 50-60 hours per week, a situation exacerbated by current staffing shortages. Agency or per diem air traffic controller pay in Pearland can vary, and these often negotiable hourly rates can significantly increase total compensation, particularly during facility transfer training. Different employer types, such as FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and contract towers, offer variable levels of compensation and benefits. Some controllers may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for more comprehensive health insurance packages, thus setting up a trade-off that is worth considering. For those negotiating hourly rates in Pearland, being informed about local opportunities and benefit options can be crucial for maximizing overall earnings in a profession known for its complexity and demands.
More salary data for Pearland, 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 Pearland. 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 Pearland 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