Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Plano, TX: $73.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Plano, TX runs $73.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $152,317 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Plano's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $76.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $91,384 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plano, the hourly pay for air traffic controllers reaches a median of $73.22, which is slightly above the national average of $73.02. This rate opens opportunities for various work arrangements, especially for part-time controllers working three days a week. Such a schedule may allow for earnings that complement a second career or personal commitments. The hourly pay stretches from about $42.47 for those at entry-level positions to $108.26 for seasoned professionals at the top of the pay scale, reflecting a competitive range that aligns with typical environments like en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. The estimates indicate that these figures are derived from annual salary data, thus manifesting a realistic earning potential for individuals in this high-stakes role.
About the Plano 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) | $42.47 | $339.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.72 | $421.77 |
| Median (P50) | $73.22 | $585.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93.74 | $749.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108.26 | $866.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plano
Based on $73.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.22/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plano, TX can expect to earn approximately $152,307 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,870. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plano.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plano
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,928.99 | $12,692 | $152,307 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,757.39 | $7,615 | $91,384 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,171.60 | $5,077 | $60,923 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Plano) | $73.22 |
| 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 Plano, TX earn a median of $152,317 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.28% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.50% above the Texas state average of $145,758.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.22/hr = $91,384/year (purchasing power: $95,192).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $152,307/year (purchasing power: $158,654).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$59.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Plano (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $71.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Plano grew 20.4% from $59.29/hr (2019) to $71.39/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $75.11/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 Plano 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 Plano
Examining the financial prospects further reveals nuanced earning situations for part-time air traffic controllers in Plano. If someone works 24 hours over three days a week, they could see significantly lower annual earnings compared to their full-time peers, depending on their specific work hours and contract terms. Many still choose part-time or per-diem arrangements, considering the flexibility they afford. For controllers at understaffed facilities, overtime can dramatically increase overall compensation, with many working upwards of 50-60 hours weekly; overtime pay at 1.5x the base rate can enhance earnings considerably. In Plano, air traffic controllers have various employment options, from FAA en route centers to military and Department of Defense positions. Each employer type may offer different hourly rates and benefits. For some controllers, a lower hourly rate might be acceptable in exchange for comprehensive health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay in contract roles without benefits. Engaging in practical negotiations based on the specific facility and its staffing needs is vital for maximizing compensation in this competitive field.
More salary data for Plano, 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 Plano. 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 Plano 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