Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Port Arthur, TX: $70.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Port Arthur, TX runs $70.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $147,661 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Port Arthur's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,594 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Port Arthur, Texas, the projected hourly pay for air traffic controllers is $70.99, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $73.02. This competitive hourly rate makes a significant impact on those considering part-time or per-diem work opportunities within the profession. Typically, air traffic controllers work in varied environments, including en route centers, terminal radar approach control facilities, and airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, the hourly rate translates into a solid income, while those taking on per-diem roles can negotiate based on experience and facility needs. The hourly range offers entry-level controllers starting at around $41.17, while experienced professionals can earn up to $101.42, highlighting the potential for growth within this career path in Port Arthur.
About the Port Arthur 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) | $41.17 | $329.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.11 | $408.89 |
| Median (P50) | $70.99 | $567.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.51 | $724.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.42 | $811.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Port Arthur
Based on $70.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.99/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Port Arthur, TX can expect to earn approximately $147,656 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,186. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Port Arthur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Port Arthur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,839.55 | $12,305 | $147,656 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,703.73 | $7,383 | $88,594 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,135.82 | $4,922 | $59,063 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Port Arthur) | $70.99 |
| 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 Port Arthur, TX earn a median of $147,661 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.78% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% above the Texas state average of $145,766.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.99/hr = $88,594/year (purchasing power: $92,285).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $147,656/year (purchasing power: $153,809).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Port Arthur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Port Arthur grew 20.4% from $57.48/hr (2019) to $69.21/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.81/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 Port Arthur 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 Port Arthur
Despite being lower than the national average, the effective compensation for an air traffic controller in Port Arthur can still be rewarding, particularly for those willing to take on additional shifts. A controller working part-time, say for 24 hours a week, may find their income reflects a comfortable lifestyle compared to full-time colleagues, depending on their additional commitments and preferences for work-life balance. With the reality of ongoing staffing shortages, many controllers frequently work overtime, elevating their hourly earnings significantly. In Port Arthur, compensation can vary based on the facility type, where FAA en route centers and military installations may offer different rates compared to smaller FAA contract towers. Negotiating for overtime pay and additional benefits is often a key strategy, particularly since controllers face mandatory retirement at 56, driving some to prioritize health benefits over higher hourly wages without them. Understanding the market dynamics and applying best practices for negotiation are essential for success in this evolving profession.
More salary data for Port Arthur, 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 Port Arthur. 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 Port Arthur 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