Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Pharr, TX: $69.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Pharr, TX runs $69.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,820 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Pharr's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,891 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pharr, Texas, air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to reach $69.62 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate opens up opportunities for both full-time and part-time employees, especially those working in various control settings, such as en route radar centers, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working just three days a week, this translates to significant per diem earnings that can complement their income, while also enabling them to balance other career pursuits or personal interests. The hourly pay ranges from $40.38 for entry-level positions to as high as $103.51 for the more experienced controllers, reflecting both the demands of the role and the variation in skills and responsibilities across the profession in Pharr, TX.
About the Pharr 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) | $51.17 | $409.38 |
| Median (P50) | $69.62 | $557.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.12 | $712.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.51 | $828.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pharr
Based on $69.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.62/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pharr, TX can expect to earn approximately $144,819 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,549. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pharr.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pharr
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,784.98 | $12,068 | $144,819 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,670.99 | $7,241 | $86,891 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,113.99 | $4,827 | $57,928 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Pharr) | $69.62 |
| 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 Pharr, TX earn a median of $144,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.65% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% below the Texas state average of $145,840.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.62/hr = $86,891/year (purchasing power: $90,512).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,819/year (purchasing power: $150,853).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pharr (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Pharr grew 20.4% from $56.38/hr (2019) to $67.88/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.41/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 Pharr 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 Pharr
For those considering a part-time schedule, a structure of 24 hours per week can yield substantial earnings, although full-time work often presents higher financial benefits through overtime opportunities. Given the current staffing shortages in many facilities, some controllers find themselves regularly putting in 50 to 60 hours weekly, with overtime compensating them significantly above their base rates. This reality means that diligent air traffic controllers can easily accumulate annual pay exceeding $200,000 through combined regular and overtime hours. Agencies like the FAA employ controllers through federal avenues, yet variations in hourly pay exist depending on the facility type, whether it be FAA ARTCCs, TRACONs, or smaller contract towers. However, these choices come with trade-offs, as accepting a position with lower hourly pay might offer more comprehensive healthcare benefit packages compared to higher pay scenarios without such benefits. Controllers in Pharr who negotiate well can find a balance that suits their financial and personal well-being, ultimately shaping a rewarding career in air traffic control.
More salary data for Pharr, 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 Pharr. 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 Pharr 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